After six consecutive days of back-and-forth strikes between the U.S. and Iran, Israeli officials say there are two scenarios in which Israel could rejoin the fighting: a direct attack by Iran or a request from the United States. Ynet reports that Iran is attempting to avoid drawing the IDF into the conflict as strikes on U.S. assets across the region intensify. However, Jerusalem says this assessment is not certain, and Israel is preparing for the possibility that Iranian attacks on the Holy Land could resume.
President Isaac Herzog, speaking Thursday in an interview with Al Arabiya, expressed Israel’s deep reservations about negotiations with Tehran. “With the pattern of Iranian behavior that we know, you cannot make deals with them,” Herzog said. “They violate them and have their own way of interpreting very clear things.” Addressing the renewed U.S. strikes, Herzog said he welcomed Washington’s firm response. “I am not surprised that this is the situation,” he said. “I am glad the American response is firm, so that everyone understands, especially the Iranians, that they must get back on track if they truly want to implement a path out of the war.”
Turning to Israel-Saudi relations, Herzog said it was his dream to see peace established between the two countries. “I have great respect for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,” he said. “What we want more than anything in Israel is to see the nations draw closer. The dialogue between Jerusalem and Mecca should be the true essence. I believe Jews and Muslims should live together in this region in peace. I hope I will be able to meet the Saudi leadership officially when the time comes.”
U.S. strikes on Iran have been expanded, as President Donald Trump indicated they would, with attacks now targeting some energy infrastructure, bridges, and communication towers. Iran has warned that these strikes will lead to intensified attacks across the region. The regime has also renewed contact with its terrorist allies, Hezbollah and the Houthis, instructing them to remain on standby to provide support if needed. Meanwhile, Gulf nations such as Qatar and Kuwait continue to face Iranian missile and drone attacks.
The U.S. also continues to enforce its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, intercepting and firing on ships attempting to breach it. Other developments include Israel and the U.S. coordinating with Italy to help manage the pilot security zone in southern Lebanon following a future IDF withdrawal, while Kuwait has requested assistance from Pakistani mediators to strengthen its defenses against Iranian attacks.
The Fellowship and our supporters continue praying that Israel and her people are not drawn into another round of fighting and that U.S. efforts to deter Iranian aggression will succeed.
