Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem
Jerusalem, May 22: Security and intelligence officials in Israel have warned that Iran could potentially be preparing a surprise missile and drone attack targeting Gulf countries and Israel amid ongoing regional tensions.
The possibility of a preemptive Iranian strike reportedly emerged during a high-level security assessment attended by senior military officials and Defence Minister Israel Katz.
The warning comes at a time when the United States and Iran are continuing ceasefire negotiations. Reports also suggest differences between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the future course of action on Iran.
According to security officials, Tehran may attempt to act before the US and Israel conclude that diplomatic efforts have failed. Officials fear Iran could launch a sudden offensive similar to the opening phases of military operations referred to as Operation Epic Fury and Operation Roaring Lion.
The Israeli Air Force and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Operations Directorate, under the leadership of Major General Hidai Zilberman and other senior officials, reportedly held multiple discussions with American counterparts to strengthen operational preparedness.
The discussions included intelligence-sharing regarding unusual Iranian military activity and improving readiness against possible missile and drone threats.
IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir also conducted security briefings with military commanders as part of broader defensive and offensive assessments. He is said to be coordinating closely with American military officials regarding a potential joint response in the event of an Iranian attack.
According to military sources quoted in reports, a detailed review was conducted following recent US-Israeli operations to evaluate systems for detecting, identifying and intercepting threats originating from Iran.
The assessment reportedly helped strengthen joint military coordination between the US and Israel in areas such as missile interception systems, integration of advanced technologies, operational software upgrades and troop reinforcement.
Officials further noted that the volume of US military equipment being transferred to Israel has increased significantly over the past month amid escalating regional tensions.