26.01.2026 11:16
The commander of the Israeli army's Northern Front, Major General Rafi Milo, stated that the Israeli army is prepared on all fronts in case a possible attack by the United States on Iran leads to retaliation from the Tehran administration. The Israeli commander described Turkey and Qatar as "a major problem" for regional balances, saying, "We are making preparations for both strong defense and offense."
In a statement broadcasted on Channel 12 television, Major General Milo referred to the preparations made by the Israeli army in the context of the possibility of a U.S. attack on Iran.
HE HIGHLIGHTED THE U.S. MILITARY BUILD-UP
Major General Milo stated, "We see the military build-up of the Americans both in the Persian Gulf and across the Middle East."
Milo, who said, "We do not know where this situation will lead," noted that if Washington chooses to attack Tehran, it could also affect Israel, and there is a possibility that Iran's response could come through them.
"WE ARE PREPARING FOR OFFENSIVE ACTIONS"
The Israeli commander also indicated that it is being closely monitored whether Hezbollah will be involved in a broader conflict, stating, "We are very cautious, we are prepared, and we are making preparations for both strong defense and offensive actions."
"TURKEY AND QATAR ARE A BIG PROBLEM"
Major General Milo claimed that Turkey and Qatar pose "a big problem" in terms of regional balances, stating that the situation on the ground regarding Syria is "complex and difficult," and indicated that the Israeli army will continue its attacks in Syria, where it maintains its occupation in the south.
Israeli Army Spokesman Effie Defrin announced in a statement made on the social media platform of the U.S.-based X company that the Israeli army has been focusing on raising its preparedness level against potential scenarios throughout the week in reference to a possible U.S. attack on Iran.
THE U.S. IS BUILDING UP IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Following the recent escalation of rhetoric on the Washington-Tehran line, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. Navy has sent "a large armada" to the Middle East. According to Stars and Stripes, the Abraham Lincoln Strike Group, consisting of three destroyers, is moving from the Indian Ocean towards the Persian Gulf region, neighboring Iran.
The U.S. Central Command announced that F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets belonging to the Air Force have also been deployed in the Middle East. CENTCOM stated that this step aims to "increase combat readiness and contribute to regional security and stability." The UK Ministry of Defense also announced that Typhoon fighter jets have been sent to Qatar for defense purposes.
On the other hand, analysts examining flight tracking data have noted that a significant number of U.S. military cargo planes have also been moving towards the region recently. This activity recalls the process last year when Patriot air defense systems were deployed in the region in response to the potential for Iranian retaliation against U.S. attacks. At that time, Iran had carried out missile attacks targeting Al Udeid Air Base.
TEHRAN'S "TOTAL WAR" THREAT
On the Tehran front, there has been no retreat. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that any potential attack by the U.S. or Israel on the religious leader would be considered a "total war." The Iranian Parliament's National Security Commission also announced that any attack on Khamenei would trigger a "declaration of jihad."