A senior Israeli security official tells Ynet that IDF forces were at maximum readiness for a broad strike on Iran until President Trump's announcement last night canceling the operation. The official says Iran went into 'serious pressure' and gave a positive response to the Americans, and stresses that Israel's posture in Lebanon remains unchanged as Hezbollah is being 'crushed,' with approximately 15,000 homes destroyed. The official expressed concern that Trump might provide Iran with a financial lifeline, but said Israel will not yield its right to self-defense.
The assessment comes in a direct interview with Hebrew news outlet Ynet, providing the first on-the-record confirmation of the operational picture just before the diplomatic pivot. According to the official, whose identity was not disclosed for security reasons, Israeli forces were at 'peak readiness' and expected a retaliatory Iranian launch toward Israel before immediately launching a large-scale offensive on Iranian soil. The official described the cancellation as originating from Trump's announcement last evening, which pushed Iran into 'serious pressure' and led to a positive response to Washington.
The official also addressed the Lebanon front, stating that Hezbollah is in a 'terrible state' and that Israel is 'crushing' the group, having destroyed approximately 15,000 homes and achieved 'very significant gains.' However, he cautioned about the nature of any ceasefire in Lebanon, reiterating the goal of Hezbollah's disarmament. The official expressed concern that Trump might allow Qatar to funnel money to Iran or ease sanctions, which he called 'the worst thing' — contrasting Trump favorably with Obama but warning that a too-open hand could undermine U.S. leverage.
The interview reinforces the SAME-THREAD context reported by The Zioneer earlier today: that a major Israeli strike on Iran was halted at the last moment by Trump's direct intervention. The dispatch does not specify whether the strike plans have been fully shelved or remain on standby; the official stated that the IDF remains on alert and that Israel reserves the right to respond if fired upon.
- StrongIsrael reportedly planned major airstrike on Iran, halted by Trump tweet
- DevelopingIsraeli security establishment braces for possible US strike on Iran, report says
- DevelopingNetanyahu, IDF chief detail tense Trump call and independent Iran strike readiness in cabinet
- DevelopingIsraeli official: Ready to swiftly execute the operation Trump blocked
Source and signal
A single-sourced dispatch is never rated Confirmed or Strong. Its Signal strengthens only when a second, independent source corroborates it.
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