Israel Braces for U.S. to Attack Iran Without Only Minutes of Advance Notice
Reports reveal that the U.S. will not notify the Israeli public before striking Iran, leaving citizens to face the immediate, violent fallout of a regional war with zero lead time.
Recent reports from Israeli media outlet Maariv indicate that in the event of a United States military strike on Iran, the Israeli public would receive no advance warning, while the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) anticipates being notified only shortly beforehand.
This protocol aims to prevent leaks that could compromise U.S. operations, amid heightened tensions and Israel's state of maximum alert for over a week due to fears of Iranian retaliation.
According to the Maariv reports, the brief notice period would allow the IDF to execute discreet preparations invisible to the public.
These measures include alerting a select few officials at Israeli airlines for potential evacuation of civilian aircraft, notifying energy sector personnel, and repositioning Home Front Command rescue battalions under cover stories to keep even the soldiers unaware of the true intent. Border readiness, especially in the north, may also be enhanced without public disclosure.
Public alerts would commence simultaneously with the initial U.S. strikes, based on real-time assessments of the attack's scope, targeted sites, and Iran's response capabilities.
Decisions on activating sirens, similar to those during Israel's Operation Rising Lion, or instructing broadcasters to provide continuous updates would follow, along with potential impacts on schools and the economy.
IDF Northern Command chief Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo emphasized preparedness across all fronts, stating that a U.S. action could affect Israel, with possible Iranian responses directed at the country.
Israeli assessments expect some form of advance notice from Washington, though details vary in reports, ranging from brief to several hours.
Israel has raised military readiness, coordinating with U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), as officials view a potential strike as a matter of timing.
This comes against a backdrop of U.S. deployments in the region, including reconnaissance aircraft and carrier groups, amid ongoing Iranian unrest and nuclear concerns.
No official confirmation of an imminent U.S. strike has been issued, but Israel remains on high alert for any escalation.