Israel Prepares for Possible Escalation as US Considers Expanding Strikes on Iran

The United States informed Israel ahead of renewed airstrikes on Iran overnight, according to a security source cited by Kan News on Thursday. Israel is preparing for the possibility that US President Donald Trump may soon order an expansion of attacks on Iran following his meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the failure to reach a new understanding with Tehran. The Israeli military and security leadership, awaiting Netanyahu's return, are expected to hold further discussions on the Iranian issue.

Israeli officials are also preparing for a potential broad escalation that could include missile launches toward Israel and direct Israeli involvement in the conflict. Alongside intense Israeli-American dialogue, significant security coordination has been taking place recently with the United Arab Emirates. Earlier this week, a UAE military transport plane landed unusually at Nevatim Airbase, highlighting unprecedented cooperation between the two countries amid the campaign against Iran.

Meanwhile, President Trump remains undecided on the next steps in the conflict. The US Central Command has proposed a two-week plan of massive airstrikes aimed at crippling Iran's ballistic missile capabilities to prevent attacks on regional states. However, concerns about expanding the war and limited US missile interceptor stockpiles have delayed a decision. Trump has received conflicting messages from regional allies: Saudi Arabia, through its defense minister visiting Washington, urged de-escalation and a path toward calm, while Netanyahu advocated for increased economic pressure on Iran by targeting its land supply routes. This Israeli plan aims to intensify Iran's economic hardship, potentially forcing concessions or sparking internal unrest.

The current US policy is to respond to Iranian aggression with counterattacks but not to initiate strikes without provocation. Additionally, a recent explosion involving tankers in Egypt was reported as an Iranian drone attack. A political source noted that Netanyahu has not yet expressed his personal stance to Trump regarding the choice between a new agreement or continued conflict.