Israel on highest military alert ahead of U.S. midterms amid fears of renewed confrontation with Iran

Israel’s military remained on its highest state of alert Monday ahead of the U.S. midterm elections, as security officials monitored the possibility of either an Iranian surprise attack or a new U.S. strike on Iran, according to Israeli news site Walla.

Walla reported that Israeli and U.S. security coordination had reached its highest levels, with the Israel Defense Forces preparing for both defensive and offensive scenarios in coordination with U.S. Central Command and the Pentagon.

Israeli security officials cited concern that Iran could launch an attack directly or through allied groups against U.S. interests in the region, including targets in Israel. They also said Israel expected advance warning if Washington decided to launch a strike on Iran.

At the same time, some Israeli defense officials assessed the likelihood of an immediate U.S. attack before Tuesday’s midterm elections as very low. Their assessment was that President Donald Trump preferred to continue diplomatic efforts and pressure on Tehran before ordering another major military operation.

The heightened alert comes days after Israel’s parliamentary election left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc with 53 of 120 Knesset seats, short of the 61 required for a majority. The opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot won 48 seats, while Arab-led parties secured 19.

Haaretz military analyst Amos Harel separately warned that Netanyahu could seek military and political escalation over Iran as he fights to remain in power, arguing that the issue could become intertwined with U.S. political pressure and Israel’s coalition deadlock. That assessment was Harel’s analysis, not an announced government plan.