Israel Prepares for Possible Missile Attacks Amid US-Iran Escalation

Israel is closely monitoring the escalating conflict between the United States and Iran following a week of continuous US strikes targeting Iran's Revolutionary Guards and infrastructure. The situation intensified after the US military reported the deaths of two American soldiers and one missing soldier in an Iranian attack in Jordan. Despite the rising tensions, Israeli assessments suggest Iran currently avoids launching missiles at Israel to prevent direct Israeli Defense Forces involvement and a broader conflict.

Israeli officials indicate that Tehran's decisions will largely determine Israel's level of engagement. The US has communicated a preference for the IDF to remain out of the fighting, reportedly blocking Israel's offer to join the strikes. Nevertheless, Israel is preparing for rapid escalation scenarios and has developed "surprises" in case Iran attacks Israel or the US authorizes Israeli action. Israel reportedly maintains a similar target list in Iran, focusing on critical infrastructure to weaken the regime's operational capabilities.

A senior Israeli source warned that any Iranian strike on Israel would provoke a far harsher response than previous rounds, stating, "If they make that mistake, they will pay a very heavy price. We will not stop like last time." Israeli preparations also consider threats beyond missiles and drones, including Iranian proxies such as Hezbollah, the Houthis, Iraqi militias, and attacks on Israeli targets abroad.

Meanwhile, Iran has escalated threats against Gulf states, with a Revolutionary Guards commander urging Arab leaders to heed Iran's warnings. Since the conflict's resurgence, Iran has attacked targets in Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman. Kuwait reported strikes on power and water desalination plants and a local oil corporation facility.

The US State Department issued an unprecedented global travel advisory for American citizens due to Middle East tensions and Iran-backed groups, warning of possible flight disruptions, airspace closures, and attacks on US diplomatic sites. Concurrently, the US is deploying additional refueling aircraft to Israel, stationed at military airbases rather than Ben Gurion Airport to minimize civilian aviation disruption. Israeli security is also considering stricter regulations on civilian drone use during the escalation to reduce false alarms and ease defense system burdens.

Iran accuses the US of violating memorandums and provoking war, while Washington and Jerusalem acknowledge that although Iran has yet to strike Israel directly, the situation could deteriorate rapidly.