Israeli officials are bracing for a range of potential scenarios in the event of a retaliatory attack by Iran, Hezbollah, or other members of the “axis of resistance.” Despite no current changes in the home front command guidelines, they are prepared for various situations.
On Friday, the Israeli army conducted a precision missile test via the Israeli navy as a part of its interceptor system. This test is part of their comprehensive three-tier air defense system, which, although generally robust, has been stretched over the past ten months due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and rocket attacks from Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with US President Joe Biden on Thursday, seeking to coordinate with international allies to counter any potential large-scale attacks directed at Israel. Despite these preparations, Israeli officials maintain that there have been no alterations in security measures yet.
In response, the US has mobilized air, sea, and land military assets to the Middle East as a precautionary measure against possible Iranian or Iranian-proxy retaliation. Pentagon Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced this increase in readiness, which includes deploying the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier to replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt. The Abraham Lincoln, equipped with around 40 fighter jets, is transitioning from the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, closer to Israel.
Additionally, the US is sending more ballistic missile defense-capable cruisers and destroyers to the region, along with an additional fighter jet squadron. They are also considering increasing land-based ballistic missile defense systems and sending more US troops to operate these assets. This decision follows a phone call between Austin and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, where Austin reaffirmed the US’s strong commitment to Israel’s defense.