The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Daniel Hagari announced the force was on high alert for a potential strike from Iran, a warning echoed by reports from the Times of Israel. In days of rising tension, military leaders underscored that the threat level had shifted to a heightened state, with readiness measures intensifying across key units and border protections. The broad takeaway is a near-term readiness posture aimed at deterring any escalation that could affect civilian life or regional stability.
Hagari later conveyed via the X platform that the troops he referred to were already positioned and prepared for action. The announcement described a substantial deployment footprint, including air defense assets and rapid response teams, ready to respond to any escalation. Officials emphasized that these forces were not merely on standby but actively integrated into ongoing readiness routines, with orders to act swiftly should an incident arise on any front.
Despite these warnings, authorities indicated that emergency instructions for civilians had not changed. Civil defense protocols remained in place, with continued emphasis on staying informed through official channels and following guidance from local authorities. The message to communities centered on maintaining normal routines where feasible, while remaining vigilant and prepared to adjust plans if new intelligence or a change in threat level warranted it.
In a separate development, Axios cited two unnamed sources to report that Israeli intelligence assesses Iran may target Israel, potentially timing any action before the August 15 hostage talks. The reported rationale centers on Tehran’s response to the removal of Hamas Politburo chairman Ismail Haniyeh and related moves, with analysts weighing whether timing aligns with regional negotiations and retaliatory considerations. The assessment underscores the fragile risk environment in the region and the likelihood of rapid shifts based on new information or events connected to the broader conflict landscape.
Meanwhile, the governor of Qasre Shirin in Iran’s Kermanshah province, Mohammad Najafi, announced that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) would conduct military exercises as tensions in the area rise. The exercises are framed as a regional deterrent response to the reported removal of Ismail Haniyeh following July 31 operations in Tehran. Hamas characterized the actions as part of a broader confrontation, signaling that retaliation or further moves could be imminent, while attributing blame to Israel and the United States for the attack on Haniyeh’s residence. Israeli officials have declined to comment on the incident, and U.S. representatives have denied any role in the operation.
Earlier in the week, Israeli authorities also implemented measures affecting educational and institutional operations, shifting some rear-management plans to adapt to the perceived threat. The steps reflected a precautionary posture intended to preserve safety and continuity in critical infrastructure while authorities monitored developing intelligence.