Israel's defense minister orders military to accelerate Iran strike preparations

TEL AVIV, Israel — Defense Minister Yisrael Katz has instructed the Israeli military to accelerate preparations for a possible strike on Iran, according to Israeli officials. The directive calls on the Israel Defense Forces to remain on heightened alert for a potential operation, the officials said. The order comes amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran, with Katz stating in recent remarks that Israel has hardened its position on Tehran's nuclear program and that a military option remains on the table. Israeli forces have expanded their presence across the region in recent months and conducted exercises covering various scenarios, officials said. Israeli officials noted that while Israel has previously taken direct military action against Tehran, the scope of the new directive differs from earlier periods. The move is also being discussed within the Israeli cabinet, with the government granting security bodies broad authority to advance preparations. Diplomatic contacts have continued alongside the military buildup as regional actors seek to prevent further escalation, though no breakthrough has been reported. Further details on the timeline or scope of the planned preparations were not immediately available.