Israel places forces on maximum alert amid rising Iran‑US tensions

Israel’s defence establishment has raised its alert level to the highest since February, citing intelligence that Iran could launch a first strike and the possibility of U.S. military action against Tehran. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is convening an emergency security cabinet to discuss response options, while Israeli officials say the region is "reaching a boiling point" and that any Iranian attack would be met with immediate retaliation. U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly said he is considering a massive strike on Iran and that Israel could join the operation within minutes. The heightened readiness follows a series of U.S. strikes on Iranian targets and ongoing disputes over the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Israel to bolster air‑defence systems and prepare for multiple escalation scenarios.