Israel’s military has stepped up preparations for a possible Iranian attack on U.S. interests or a U.S. strike on Iran before Tuesday’s midterm elections, Walla reported Monday, citing risks for Israel.
U.S. and Israeli intelligence agencies are concerned that Tehran could stage a provocation affecting the election, according to Walla. The attack scenario in its report concerns U.S. assets and interests in the region, including in Israel, and could involve Iranian forces or allied groups. Walla also described concern about the consequences for Israel’s home front if Washington attacked Iran.
Some Israeli security officials consider a U.S. strike before the vote very unlikely, Walla reported. Intelligence pointing to an imminent Iranian attack could change that assessment. The officials believe President Donald Trump prefers to continue negotiations and pressure on Tehran before taking military action, according to the report.
Walla cited Israeli security officials as saying coordination with Washington had reached its highest level. Those officials asserted that Israel would receive advance warning if the United States decided to attack Iran. The Israeli military has worked with U.S. Central Command and the Pentagon on defensive and offensive preparations in recent weeks, the outlet reported.
More than 3,000 U.S. troops are stationed in Israel, according to Walla. Arrivals of American military aircraft showed no unusual increase over the past week, the outlet reported, contrasting that pattern with buildups before earlier fighting.
Walla reported that Israeli officials believe Iran is seeking more time in negotiations as sanctions and an economic crisis put pressure on Tehran. Disagreements over Iran’s nuclear program and ballistic missiles remain. Axios reported Sunday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had pressed Trump to resume attacks on Iran after the U.S. election, while Trump wanted to give diplomacy more time.
Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir said Oct. 20 that his forces were prepared and on high alert ahead of Israel’s Oct. 27 election. The U.S. midterm vote is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3.
