Israel is preparing for protracted fighting with Iran — The Times of Israel
Israel has declared its readiness for prolonged hostilities against Iran, which could last at least several days, as well as for a potential full-scale resumption of war.
The escalation occurred after the parties violated the ceasefire for the first time in two months and launched massive strikes on each other’s territories.
U.S. President Donald Trump has already responded to the latest flare-up of the Middle East conflict, calling on world leaders to immediately stop the bloodshed.
The major escalation began with a massive attack on Israeli cities. Since last night, Iran has fired at least 20 ballistic missiles at Israel, which, according to the military, were intercepted by air defense systems or fell on undeveloped areas.
At the same time, other allies of Tehran in the region have also stepped up their activities. In particular, the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen fired two ballistic missiles at Israel this morning—one was intercepted, and the other did not reach Israeli territory.
The Israel Defense Forces responded immediately and forcefully, launching a large-scale air operation. Israel has now carried out two waves of strikes against Iran in response to the ballistic missile attacks.
Overnight, Israeli Air Force fighter jets struck nine Iranian air defense systems in western and central Iran, and in the morning, they struck three plants at a petrochemical complex in southwestern Iran.
Military command emphasizes close coordination with its key Western partners. The military states that the strikes are carried out exclusively by Israel, but there is full coordination with U.S. Central Command.
U.S. military personnel also participated directly in intercepting missiles launched by Iran toward Israel.
It is noted that the Chief of the General Staff of the Israeli Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, spoke three times with his counterpart, the head of U.S. Central Command, Admiral Brad Cooper.
This was reported by The Times of Israel.
Israel plans to equip helicopters and fighter jets with combat lasers
Earlier, Iran launched a missile strike on the Ali Al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait, where U.S. military personnel and contractors were stationed. The attack resulted in minor injuries among personnel and damage to U.S. drones. The incident occurred amid U.S. efforts to negotiate an extension of the ceasefire with Tehran.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is alive and continues to interact with his inner circle, though he does so cautiously and primarily through written messages and intermediaries. Officials in Washington note that his activity has been increasing recently.
