By Emem Nsini-Godwin
Israel is reportedly prepared to resume military operations against Iran alongside the United States but is awaiting authorization from U.S. President Donald Trump before taking further action, according to multiple media reports, as a fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran shows fresh signs of unravelling.
Israel’s public broadcaster, Kan, reported that some senior Israeli officials favour renewing military strikes on Iran as tensions between the United States and the Islamic Republic continue to escalate. Citing unnamed sources, the broadcaster said officials in Jerusalem expect the exchange of attacks between Washington and Tehran to continue in the coming days.
Separately, The New York Post, citing an unidentified Jerusalem-based source, reported that Israel remains prepared to participate in future military operations against Iran if circumstances require.
“We’re willing to do it again, if needed,” the source was quoted as saying on Wednesday, shortly before the United States launched its latest strikes on Iranian targets.
The source added that although Israel was not seeking another prolonged conflict, it viewed developments inside Iran as a security concern that could not be ignored.
“We’re not eager to return to the days when people have to run to shelters,” the source said. “But we also can’t ignore what’s happening in Iran. If that’s the price we have to pay, then we’ll bear it.”
Despite the reports, Israeli officials have so far indicated that the country is not preparing to immediately rejoin the fighting. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) officials told reporters on Thursday that Israel does not currently intend to become directly involved in the ongoing exchange of attacks between the United States and Iran, although the military remains prepared for any scenario.
The officials also said their current assessment is that Iran is unlikely to target Israel in the immediate future or seek to expand the confrontation by drawing it back into the conflict.
Neither the Israeli government nor the White House has officially confirmed the reports that Israel is awaiting President Trump’s approval before resuming military operations against Iran.
The reports come amid renewed uncertainty over the durability of the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, with rising tensions fuelling speculation that military hostilities could intensify despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent a broader regional conflict.
