Israel is prepared to participate in future U.S. military operations against Iran if requested by President Trump, according to sources in Jerusalem. This readiness follows President Trump's declaration that the cease-fire with Iran is "over."
"We've proved that we stand with the U.S.," one source told The Post. "We're willing to do it again, if needed."
Trump authorized a second day of strikes on Iran on Wednesday, escalating rhetoric against the regime. Approximately 90 targets were reportedly struck, an increase from the previous day's approximately 80. The targets included missile and drone launch sites, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command sites, air defense locations, and logistics infrastructure. This action came after Trump referred to Iran's leadership as "scum," "evil," and "loco" at the NATO summit.
Israel joined the U.S. in initial strikes on February 28, which reportedly eliminated Iran's leadership and hit critical targets. However, there had been disagreements between the U.S. and Israeli leadership regarding the duration and scope of the conflict, which also extended to Lebanon.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated on Thursday that the Israel Defense Forces are "prepared to strike Iran for the third time – and with greater force than before" if the situation warrants. Nitsana Leitner, founder of the Israel Law Center, echoed this sentiment, saying, "If the United States calls on Israel to stand with it against the Iranian regime, Israel will be there — not with words, but with action and real military cooperation."
Despite the willingness to act, an Israeli source noted that the country is not eager to return to a state where citizens need to seek shelter, referencing the early phase of the conflict when Iran launched missiles and drones at Israel. "At the same time, you know, we don't want to ignore what's happening in Iran," the source said. "So if that will be the price we'll have to pay, we will bear with that situation."
Trump's comments at the NATO summit indicated a shift in his perception of Iran's leadership following recent attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently warned about Iran's untrustworthiness and stated previously that Israel would act "whenever necessary."
Israeli intelligence assesses that Iran currently has no interest in drawing Israel into the conflict, which may explain why Tehran has not directly targeted Israel in the recent series of strikes, according to Israeli officials cited by the Jerusalem Post.
Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz held a security consultation on Wednesday night amidst Trump's heightened rhetoric against Tehran. The Israel Defense Forces are on high alert and maintaining close coordination with the U.S. military, according to i24 News.
Israeli sources expressed skepticism about Iran's intentions during U.S. negotiations, suggesting that Iran was "playing a game." These concerns reportedly led to tense communications between Trump and Netanyahu, particularly regarding Iran's ballistic missile program, which was omitted from a U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding despite being an earlier focus for Trump. Sources familiar with the calls indicated that Israeli officials believed the Iranian regime's actions did not reflect a change in behavior, providing a "reality check for all the players" involved.