IDF doubles forces ahead of Israel, US elections

Nine days before Israel's elections and 15 before the US midterms, the security establishment on both sides of the Atlantic is on high alert, braced for any scenario.

Yet Israeli, American and allied intelligence agencies report no concrete indication that Iran is preparing an imminent strike on Israel or its partners in the coming days, or beyond. Nor is there intelligence pointing to certainty of action against Israel during this period.

That said, after October 7, nothing is taken for granted. The IDF has positioned itself accordingly across all fronts.

The army now deploys two full divisions on each of its three active fronts, double the pre-October 7 posture, when a single division covered each sector.

In Gaza, Division 162 operates in the northern Strip and the Gaza Division (143) in the south, replacing the earlier single-division deployment.

In Judea and Samaria, the Judea-Samaria Division works alongside Division 98, which covers the line south from Beit Lechem, reinforcing the sector against all contingencies.

The same doubling applies in Lebanon.

Division 91, which has always held the northern border, is now joined by Division 36. The latter had been scheduled to rotate out after its successful operation on the Ali Taher ridge, but has been asked to remain in sector for at least the next two to three weeks, ready to respond immediately should Hezbollah see this period as an opening to launch a campaign against Israel.

As of this morning, the IDF fields six divisions across three sectors, with dozens of active outposts in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria, on alert and prepared for any scenario in the Middle East.

But as of now, there is no intelligence suggesting the opening of a new campaign or war before the elections in the United States and Israel.

May it remain so.