Israel considers possible Iranian attack amid economic pressure — Jerusalem Post
In Israel, officials allow for the possibility that Iran may resort to a surprise attack on Israeli territory in an attempt to ease economic pressure and secure limited negotiations. This was reported by The Jerusalem Post, citing Israeli officials and security sources.
According to the publication's assessment, the Iranian authorities are facing internal unrest, rising unemployment and a worsening economic situation. In January and February, intelligence services monitored a campaign of repression against protesters in Iran. Data collected by officials in Washington and Jerusalem indicated arrests, brutal torture and disappearances.
Discussions at the White House
As The Jerusalem Post claims, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the White House and met with U.S. President Donald Trump, accompanied by senior security-sector representatives. The purpose of the meeting was to strengthen cooperation and approve a joint strategic plan.
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One of the publication's interlocutors noted that there was no direct commitment to overthrow the Iranian regime at the closed meeting. According to him, the sides plan to create conditions for regime change. The Israeli delegation allegedly presented three components of the approach: alternative leadership, targeted information campaigns and ground operations. The publication notes that airstrikes alone are insufficient to overthrow the regime.
Sanctions and the risk of escalation
Israeli officials believe that tough international sanctions and cooperation from other states could accelerate the internal weakening of the Iranian authorities. According to the publication, Washington is putting pressure, in particular, on the United Arab Emirates and China, which are described as Tehran's main economic channels through purchases of oil on the black market.
Israeli officials also stated that if Iran attacks, the response could target Iran's critically important national infrastructure. At the same time, The Jerusalem Post's sources claim that Iran has not resumed uranium enrichment and has not moved centrifuges, while most of its infrastructure, according to them, remains deep underground.
