Israeli media: army preparing for possible Hezbollah attack directed by Iran

TEHRAN, Iran — JERUSALEM — Israeli media reported that the Israeli military is preparing for a possible attack by Lebanon's Hezbollah with Iranian backing. The newspaper Yisrael Hayom, citing Israeli officials, said assessments have gained weight that Tehran could escalate through Hezbollah as Jewish holidays approach. Israeli intelligence and security sources told the paper that Iran, wary of direct confrontation, may choose to respond through its Lebanese ally. According to the report, a potential operation would aim to disrupt daily life, interrupt holiday-period celebrations and sabotage dialogue between the Israeli and Lebanese governments. The paper said Hezbollah sent two explosive drones at Israeli forces on Mount Ali Tahir, though it remained unclear whether the incident was local, linked to Israel's siege of the area, or part of an Iranian-directed escalation. Israeli sources added that, if the scenario materializes, Israel will have to decide whether to respond against Hezbollah, the Dahiyeh district of Beirut, or Iran itself. The same sources said the matter is being discussed with the United States at both political and military levels, and that close coordination would be integral to any Israeli response. In June, Israel and Lebanon signed a framework agreement under U.S. mediation that called for a halt to hostilities and an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.