Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed the country’s Home Front Command and various rescue agencies to prepare for a possible war with Iran. Israeli media reported on February 18 that maximum alert has been declared across security agencies. A planned security cabinet meeting on February 19 was postponed to February 22 without explanation.

According to Yedioth Ahronoth, Israel believes U.S. President Donald Trump may soon launch a large-scale military operation against Iran after Tehran rejected Washington’s negotiation demands. Israeli intelligence assessments suggest that if the U.S. attacks, Iran could retaliate by firing missiles at Israel, regardless of whether Israel participates directly. Former military intelligence chief Amos Yadlin said Israel is now closer to a potential strike than ever before.

Reports from Israel Hayom and CNN Arabic indicate that Israel’s military has been placed on high alert as coordination with the U.S. intensifies. Washington has deployed the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group near Iran, with the USS Gerald R. Ford en route and additional fighter jets being positioned. Meanwhile, U.S. and Iranian officials described recent Geneva talks as constructive but unresolved.