Top officials reportedly believe the move could be justified if there is conclusive intelligence that Tehran is about to attack
Israel is considering a preemptive strike on Iran if intelligence suggests Tehran is about to retaliate for the assassinations of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, according to Israeli media reports on Monday.
The Times of Israel reported that this option was discussed at a high-level meeting on Sunday night attended by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, Mossad head David Barnea, and internal intelligence service chief Ronen Bar.
Ynet stated that a preemptive strike could be approved if Israel receives conclusive intelligence, including information from the US, indicating that Tehran is preparing an attack. Senior Israeli officials reportedly also maintain that the country can withstand an Iranian attack and that neither side desires a full-scale regional war.
This high-level meeting comes amid reports that Iran might launch a full-scale attack on Israel, possibly as early as Monday, which could be more powerful than the drone and missile attack launched in April. An Axios report suggests that this attack could involve Iranian long-range assets and Hezbollah forces in Lebanon. The outlet also claimed that the potential timeline was confirmed by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during discussions with his counterparts in G7 countries.
Tensions have escalated after Iran accused Israel of killing Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in a bombing in Tehran. While Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement, it admitted to eliminating Hezbollah leader Fouad Shukr in Beirut, who it claimed was responsible for an attack on a soccer field in the Golan Heights that killed 12 children.
The US has urged its partners to warn Iran against escalating the already tense situation in the Middle East, according to the Wall Street Journal, citing sources. The outlet reported that one argument was that Iran could improve relations with the West by showing restraint, while an attack could lead to harsh retaliation.
Diplomatic efforts have reportedly failed, with Iran informing Arab diplomats that it “didn’t care if the response triggered a war.”