The Israel Defense Forces is maintaining a high level of alert despite signs of possible progress in negotiations between the United States and Iran, even as it reduces the number of reserve soldiers stationed at General Staff headquarters. Some reservists have been told to remain on standby for a rapid return to duty if needed. Senior military officials believe Israel’s political leadership has been largely excluded from the core discussions between Washington and Tehran.

Military Intelligence is intensifying efforts to monitor Iran’s attempts to rebuild capabilities damaged in recent Israeli operations and to reassess warning systems related to Iranian developments. The military is also preparing for the possibility that Iran could launch a preemptive strike involving ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles if it believes negotiations will collapse and attacks may resume.

Defense officials assess that Iran’s leadership is unlikely to abandon its nuclear ambitions, viewing them as essential to regime survival. At the same time, Israeli officials are concerned that Hezbollah could be included in any ceasefire arrangement, stressing that Israel insists on the group’s disarmament and opposes linking a deal with Iran to arrangements in Lebanon.