Israel mulling ‘preemptive strike’ on Iran – media

Top officials reportedly believe the move could be justified if there is conclusive intelligence that Tehran is about to attack

Israel could launch a “preemptive strike” on Iran if it receives intelligence that Tehran is certain to attack in retaliation for the assassination of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, local media reported on Monday.

According to the Times of Israel, the option was discussed at a high-level meeting attended by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, Mossad head David Barnea, and internal intelligence service chief Ronen Bar on Sunday night.

Ynet said a preemptive strike could be greenlit if Israel receives conclusive intelligence – including intel from the US – that Tehran is about to launch an attack. Senior Israeli officials also reportedly say the country can withstand an Iranian attack and that neither side wants a full-scale regional war.

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The high-level meeting comes amid reports that Iran could launch a full-scale attack – which would be more powerful than the raid involving hundreds of drones and missiles that it launched in April – against Israel as early as Monday. An Axios report suggests that it could involve Iranian long-range assets and Hezbollah forces in Lebanon. The outlet also claimed that the potential timeline was confirmed by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during talks with his counterparts in G7 countries.

Tensions have been soaring after Iran accused Israel of killing Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in a bombing in Tehran. While West Jerusalem has neither confirmed nor denied involvement, it has admitted to eliminating Hezbollah leader Fouad Shukr in Beirut, who it said was responsible for an attack on a soccer field in the Golan Heights that killed 12 minors.

The US has asked its partners to warn Iran against escalating the already tense situation in the Middle East, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources. The outlet said one of the arguments was that by showing restraint, Iran could improve relations with the West, while an attack could result in harsh retaliation.

The diplomatic efforts have reportedly failed, with Iran telling Arab diplomats that it “didn’t care if the response triggered a war.”