Israeli Govt Instructs Military to Prepare for US Strikes against Iran

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz attends a cabinet meeting. Photo: Abir Sultan/POOL/AFP via Getty
Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz attends a cabinet meeting. Photo: Abir Sultan/POOL/AFP via Getty
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Israeli Govt Instructs Military to Prepare for US Strikes against Iran

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz attends a cabinet meeting. Photo: Abir Sultan/POOL/AFP via Getty
Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz attends a cabinet meeting. Photo: Abir Sultan/POOL/AFP via Getty

Israel’s government instructed the military to prepare for a possible US strike against Iran during the remainder of President Donald Trump’s term, according to military sources.

The instructions were given because officials anticipate “a very sensitive period” prior to the Jan. 20 inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden, and not because of any intelligence or assessment that the US will order an attack.

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz has spoken twice over the past two weeks with US Defense Secretary Christopher Miller to discuss the Iranian issue, the situation in Syria and the security memorandum of understanding between Israel and the US.

If the Trump administration acts against Iran, Israel is expected to receive advance warning of the action. However, due to the great uncertainty, the army has been instructed to ensure that Israel’s defense systems are ready for any scenario that may arise from a US attack on Iran, the sources added.

In case of a US attack against Iran, the latter might strike Israeli targets through its militias or “Hezbollah” forces in Syria, or even from Hezbollah's locations in the Lebanese south.

Citing four current and former US officials, The New York Times reported that a meeting occurred in the Oval Office two weeks ago. Trump asked senior aides what possibilities he had for an offensive strike on Iran's primary nuclear site in Natanz.

Senior advisers including Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and Vice President Mike Pence dissuaded Trump, but he might still be looking at ways to strike Iranian assets and allies.

Pompeo recently visited Europe and the Middle East – State Department officials, meanwhile, told reporters that “all options are on the table,” regarding Iran.



Ukraine President’s Chief of Staff in US for Talks on Defense Support 

Firefighters extinguish cars hit by a Russian military strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Sumy, Ukraine June 3, 2025. (Press service of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Sumy region/Handout via Reuters)
Firefighters extinguish cars hit by a Russian military strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Sumy, Ukraine June 3, 2025. (Press service of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Sumy region/Handout via Reuters)
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Ukraine President’s Chief of Staff in US for Talks on Defense Support 

Firefighters extinguish cars hit by a Russian military strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Sumy, Ukraine June 3, 2025. (Press service of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Sumy region/Handout via Reuters)
Firefighters extinguish cars hit by a Russian military strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Sumy, Ukraine June 3, 2025. (Press service of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Sumy region/Handout via Reuters)

A Ukrainian government delegation arrived in Washington on Tuesday to discuss military support and sanctions against Russia, a day after Kyiv and Moscow held their second round of peace talks.

Andriy Yermak, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's chief of staff, said he arrived in Washington together with the first deputy prime minister and other government officials.

"We will actively promote issues that are important for Ukraine. Our agenda is rather comprehensive," Yermak said on the Telegram app. "We plan to talk about defense support and the situation on the battlefield, strengthening sanctions against Russia..."

Yermak said the officials would also discuss the bilateral minerals deal which gives the United States preferential access to new Ukrainian mineral projects and sets up an investment fund which could be used for the reconstruction of Ukraine.

Ukraine and Russia made little progress during their second round of talks in Istanbul and remain far apart in their positions.

Zelenskiy has been repeatedly urging the United States and President Donald Trump to impose tougher sanctions on Russia if Moscow stalls the peace talks.