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Israel remained on its highest state of military alert on Monday, a day before the US midterm elections, amid concerns about a possible resumption of war with Iran, according to Israeli media, Anadolu Agency reported.
Americans are due to vote on Tuesday in midterm elections held halfway through Republican President Donald Trump’s second term. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives, 35 Senate seats and governorships in 36 states are being contested, along with thousands of local positions and ballot measures.
Trump has repeatedly pledged not to launch new strikes against Iran before the elections, while suggesting military operations could resume afterward. The United States has continued its military buildup in the region as diplomatic efforts remain stalled.
Israeli media say Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has pressed for renewed strikes against Iran, ostensibly to overthrow its government. Israeli officials acknowledge, however, that the final decision rests with the White House.
Israel and US coordinate military preparations
The Israeli news website “Walla” reported on Monday that the military was on high alert amid US and Israeli concerns that Iran could launch a surprise attack on American interests in the region or on Israel, either directly or through allied groups.
Intelligence agencies fear Tehran could carry out a large-scale military provocation that might influence the US midterm elections, the report said.
“Walla” said the Israeli military had stepped up defensive and offensive preparations in recent weeks in coordination with US Central Command (CENTCOM) and the Pentagon.
Citing unnamed Israeli military officials, the website said security coordination between Israel and the United States had reached its highest levels. Israel would receive advance warning if Washington decided to attack Iran, according to the report.
Israeli military assessments indicate that the likelihood of a US pre-emptive strike before the midterm elections remains low. Trump prefers to exhaust diplomatic negotiations and pressure before resorting to military action, the report said.
“Walla” also reported that more than 3,000 US troops were stationed in Israel. No unusual increase in the arrival of American military aircraft had been recorded over the past week, unlike in periods before previous escalations.
Israeli officials believe Tehran is seeking to buy time in negotiations with Washington, the report added, while disagreements remain over Iran’s nuclear programme and ballistic missiles.
Warnings of renewed conflict and political deadlock
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have persisted since the United States and Israel launched a war against Iran in February. A ceasefire followed in April, and confrontations between the United States and Iran resumed in July.
The developments come amid warnings that Netanyahu could try to push Washington towards another military confrontation with Tehran.
In an article published on Sunday, “Haaretz” military analyst Amos Harel warned that Netanyahu might resort to military and political escalation to stay in power, using the Iran issue and pressures surrounding the US midterm elections.
Harel also cautioned against Netanyahu’s efforts to persuade Washington to resume military operations, despite lacking a domestic mandate to launch another war.
Israeli Channel 12 reported on Sunday that Netanyahu had urged Trump in a phone conversation to resume the war against Iran after the US midterm elections. The American president preferred to give diplomacy another chance, the report said.
The heightened alert comes as Israel faces political uncertainty following last week’s parliamentary elections.
Netanyahu’s bloc won 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset, compared with 48 for opposition parties led by former army chief Gadi Eisenkot and 19 for Arab parties.
No bloc secured the 61 seats needed to form a government, leaving Israel in a political deadlock.
The results have complicated efforts to form a governing coalition, amid disagreements among opposition parties over whether to seek support from Arab parties.
