Increasing estimates in Israel in recent hours indicate that the United States is close to carrying out a military strike against Iran. These estimates come amid reports that the US military will complete its troop buildup in the region within a few days, in preparation for a “broad and long” operation, while the option of a limited strike remains available at any moment.
According to Israeli military analyst Avi Ashkenazi in a report published by the Maariv newspaper, Washington has been strengthening its military presence in the Middle East and the Arabian Gulf for days, by concentrating large air and naval forces, indicating a high level of readiness in anticipation of any escalation with Tehran.
The report explained that three US aircraft carriers are heading to the region, each carrying between 70 and 90 aircraft, accompanied by a large group of warships and supply ships, including naval units possessing firepower including sea-to-land missiles, in addition to electronic warfare systems and advanced capabilities in the field of cyber warfare.
Ashkenazi pointed out that the United States, in parallel with offensive preparations, is working to strengthen its defensive capabilities by deploying early warning and monitoring systems, along with missile interception systems distributed in various locations in the Middle East and the Arabian Peninsula, with the aim of protecting its military bases as well as strategic installations such as oil and gas fields, airports and seaports.
In a related context, the report discussed the visit of the Israeli Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, on Wednesday morning, to the “Nevatim” base of the Israeli Air Force, which is a strategic base that includes squadrons of F-35 fighters and “Nachshon” aircraft, in addition to transport and aerial refueling squadrons.
During the visit, Zamir stated: “We are ready for various scenarios and are constantly improving our capabilities in order to achieve victory in the comprehensive battle against our enemies – this is our responsibility and mission,” adding: “The Air Force constitutes the strategic arm of the Israeli army, and you are at the forefront of the offensive and defensive effort on fronts near and far throughout the last two years of fighting.”
Zamir pointed out that the Israeli Air Force, with the support of its various units and in cooperation with the Intelligence Division, “attacks throughout the Middle East to remove threats and protect citizens,” stressing that the experience gained by the pilots during the war and Operation “With My Dog” is considered “unprecedented globally,” as he put it.
These data come amid the continuing state of anticipation in the region regarding how the confrontation between Washington and Tehran will develop, in light of the escalating mutual threats and the possibility of expanding the scope of escalation.
