09.08.2026 12:01
While Washington's efforts to reach a diplomatic agreement with Tehran continue, it has been alleged that Israel is preparing for possible unilateral military operations against Iran. The Israeli press announced that even if the US steps back from direct military intervention, Tel Aviv will use the option of acting independently. It was noted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed the military to prepare for operations against Iran.
The Israeli military is continuing its preparations for potential independent operations against Iran. Tel Aviv is keeping this option on the table even if Washington abandons direct military intervention. The preparations are taking place at a critical time when the Trump administration is seeking ways to end the conflict through diplomatic means.
ORDERED THE MILITARY TO 'PREPARE'
Israeli officials have stated that Tel Aviv will never accept Iran rebuilding or expanding capabilities such as its ballistic missile program and nuclear-related infrastructure, which Israel considers a major security threat.
Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz had previously ordered the military to prepare for a possible "blue-white" operation. Katz also warned that any Iranian missile attack on Israel would be met with a strong response.
US CONCERNED
US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Caine has reportedly warned senior officials that ongoing military actions could create new risks. Caine is said to have argued that President Donald Trump's goals in Iran may be difficult to achieve through airstrikes alone.
CNN International previously reported that Caine was seeking an "exit strategy" from the conflict. According to claims, Caine held talks about the war and possible military options with senior Trump administration officials, including CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Vice President JD Vance. Caine expressed concerns that further escalation could lead to unintended consequences.
The White House denied claims of serious internal disagreement over military action. A White House official described Caine as an "incredible asset" to Trump's national security team and pointed to the success of previous US operations. Meanwhile, Vance stated that Tehran is also interested in ending the conflict, but Iran must meet Washington's demands to do so.
ATTACK PREPARATIONS IN ISRAEL
According to Israel-based Channel 13, the Israeli military is continuing its preparations for possible unilateral action against Iran. The preparations are designed to allow Israel to act even if the US reaches a diplomatic agreement with Tehran and ends its own military operations. The report, citing unnamed Israeli officials, highlighted that Tel Aviv wants to maintain the ability to act independently if it believes Iran's missile or nuclear capabilities pose an immediate danger.
IS THE US DISTANCING FROM ISRAEL?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu similarly indicated the possibility of Israel confronting Iran without full US support. Netanyahu stated that Israel would prefer to avoid such a situation but would not hesitate to act independently if necessary.
MISSILE STOCKPILES RAISE CONCERNS
The reports of Israel's preparations come at a time when the US faces questions about its ability to sustain a prolonged and high-intensity military operation. International media have highlighted the heavy use of US precision long-range missiles and air defense interceptors during months of conflict. Concerns over weapons stockpiles could become an additional factor as Washington decides whether to continue or scale back military operations.
For Israel, the possibility of a US diplomatic withdrawal does not eliminate the perceived threat from Iran. Recent reports indicated that Tel Aviv wants to maintain the ability to act independently if it believes Iran's missile or nuclear capabilities pose an immediate danger. In statements over the past weeks, Netanyahu emphasized his desire to build a military capacity independent of the US, and it was noted that he is considering ordering new operations against Iran without coordination with Washington.
TALKS STALLED
Richard Weitz, a senior expert at the NATO Defense College, told Al Jazeera that talks between the US and Iran have dragged on partly because they are indirect, saying, \"As far as we know, the situation is somewhat complicated due to this indirect process. The Iranians refuse to talk directly with the US. The Iranians speak with the Omanis and Pakistanis, and the Omanis and Pakistanis then contact the US.\"
The expert said that as a result, the \"positive signals\" the US receives from intermediaries often contradict subsequent statements from Tehran, adding, \"I think 'misunderstanding each other' is a good way to describe this process.\"
Weitz noted that the prevailing interpretation in Washington is that the six conditions Iran set for reopening the Strait of Hormuz reflect hardline elements within the Revolutionary Guard Corps reasserting dominance over Iran's Foreign Ministry.
Weitz, explaining why Tehran would issue a new list of tough demands at a time when the White House believed a deal was near, said, \"This is challenging for the US because it cannot accept some demands, such as the payment of compensation. There could be more flexibility on sanctions and a few other issues, but listing all these demands as non-negotiable gets us nowhere.\"
ATTACKS IN LEBANON CONTINUE DESPITE CEASEFIRE
According to Lebanon's official NNA agency, Israeli military attacks in southern Lebanon continue despite the ceasefire, and 2 people were injured when an Israeli drone crashed near a house in southern Lebanon. An Israeli drone crashed due to a technical malfunction in the town of Kfar Rumman in Nabatieh province. The drone, flying between Ali Tahir Hill, Debshe Hill, and the Kfar Rumman Hills, crashed near a house, injuring 2 people.
According to local sources, Israeli forces targeted houses and infrastructure with explosives in the town of Zawtar al-Sharqiyya in southern Lebanon. The explosions destroyed some houses and infrastructure elements. NNA also reported that the Israeli military targeted the surroundings of Ali Tahir Hill and Debshe Hill, as well as the Doha area of Kfar Rumman, with heavy artillery fire.
ISRAELI MILITARY OCCUPIES LEBANESE VILLAGE
According to AFP, Israeli forces infiltrated the village of Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh, which had been handed over to Lebanese army control, shortly after midnight and built a new earthen barrier near the town square. According to Lebanese state media and the local mayor, the barrier was built at the village's eastern entrance, blocking a road in the area. Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh was one of two \"pilot zones\" that the Lebanese army was to take over under the US-sponsored framework agreement.
The Israeli army claimed it was "not aware of such an incident in this area." .