Israel’s security establishment is avoiding complacency despite reports of a long-term ceasefire deal taking shape with Iran, a development that could also affect the fighting front in Lebanon. According to the report, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir instructed all military branches to maintain the highest level of readiness and improve their positions for any possible development, both defensive and offensive.
The general staff order places special emphasis on air defense units and the various air force squadrons, with a demand to stay on high alert for rapid takeoff and an immediate shift from routine to full operational readiness within very short warning times. The main scenarios under consideration by commanders range from renewed heavy fighting with Hezbollah in the north to the possibility of a large-scale strike on Iranian territory.
The report also says the issue of American refueling aircraft at Ben Gurion Airport remains sensitive. Security officials said there is no sign yet of a reduction in the US military presence in the region, even as talks continue to restore the airport to full normal operations. One option under discussion is moving the American aircraft intended for aerial refueling to other military bases.
The arrangement has caused major disruption at Israel’s main airport, because, according to senior Israeli officials, the US Central Command’s decision to place the refueling system at Ben Gurion created serious disturbances there. Thousands of US soldiers and technical personnel are currently deployed across Israel as part of the joint effort against Iran, operating air defense batteries and maintaining the aircraft fleet. Despite diplomatic efforts, a military source said the situation remains volatile: “The situation is still fragile, and no one can guarantee with 100% certainty that any political process will not collapse along the way.”
