3,000 American Soldiers in Israel.. Preparations for Escalation with Iran

Israeli security sources revealed on Sunday that about 3,000 American soldiers are currently deployed in Israel, while the United States is preparing to send additional troops and aircraft in the coming weeks, amid preparations for a potential escalation in the Middle East, coinciding with Israeli readiness for a rapid deterioration in the confrontation with Iran.

The Israeli website "Walla" reported that security sources stated that the American forces deployed in Israel are undertaking multiple tasks, including operating air defense systems, along with the participation of pilots, support teams, logistical personnel, and staff from the General Staff.

The sources indicated that the U.S. military has been conducting periodic rotations of the forces present in Israel in recent weeks as some units complete their deployment periods, noting that the coming weeks may witness the arrival of additional troops and aircraft as part of preparations for a potential rise in tensions in the region.

A senior Israeli security official told "Walla" that Israel's adversaries are monitoring the elections in Israel and the United States, and are considering the possibility of trying to influence them through attacks aimed, in his estimation, at "disrupting the internal scene without leading to a wide confrontation."

Israel has raised its level of readiness in anticipation of a potential escalation with Iran, while behind-the-scenes attempts continue to resume negotiations between Tehran and Washington, amid a backdrop of exchanged threats.

However, the official added that Israel's adversaries "realize that the Israeli response this time will be extremely aggressive," according to the site.

According to "Walla," Iran is also monitoring the extent of the United States' readiness to engage in a confrontation with it, taking this factor into account in managing its negotiations, at a time when Tehran is facing increasing economic pressures due to U.S. sanctions.

A senior Israeli security official told "Walla" that the Israeli army is preparing for the possibility of a confrontation with Iran that could escalate quickly, amid Israeli assessments that the increasing economic pressures on Tehran may affect its calculations.

According to the site, discussions within the Israeli army focus on the nature of the action in case Israel is forced to launch a wide-scale attack on Iran, including identifying targets that the military institution believes could impact the Iranian regime.

At the same time, coordination continues between the Israeli army and the U.S. Central Command "CENTCOM," in preparation for the possibility of Iran launching surprise missile attacks targeting Israel, according to "Walla."

The report also addressed developments in Yemen, as it quoted Israeli military officials saying that the confrontation with the Houthis could represent a "regional opportunity" to advance other issues in the region.

A senior Israeli security official told "Walla" that there is a conviction in Israel that parties not currently joining the confrontation with the Houthis may later find themselves compelled to face them alone.