Israeli leaders are watching events in the Strait of Hormuz closely and preparing to strike Iran. Israel has been pushing for the US to abandon the diplomatic process and greenlight renewed attacks on Iran.
On Sunday, Trump announced “Project Freedom” to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The operations call for the US Navy to assist vessels out of the Persian Gulf. Tehran has said that it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until the US and Israel end the war and lift the blockade of Iranian ports.
Remarking on the situation, an Israeli official told Ynet that Tel Aviv is prepared to resume attacks on Iran. “Trump is challenging them, and now we will see how important Hormuz really is to them. If he moves ships and tankers through and oil and goods flow over their heads, it means he controls the Strait de facto and Iran has lost its last lever of pressure. In any case, it increases the chances of a return to fighting,” they explained, adding, “We are prepared for every scenario, and the IDF is on constant alert. Right now, it depends more on Iran than on Trump.”
On Monday, ships attempted to exit the Strait of Hormuz and were attacked by Iran. The US claims that two ships successfully transited the waterway. Additionally, Iran fired warning missiles at a US warship that attempted to enter the Strait.
Another point that could cause the Iranian ceasefire to collapse is Lebanon. When the US and Iran agreed to a truce three weeks ago, the ceasefire was intended to extend to Lebanon. However, Tel Aviv refused to implement the truce, and Tehran threatened to return to war.
After several days of intense Israeli bombing, a ceasefire was declared in Lebanon, and Tel Aviv entered into talks with Beirut. Israel is demanding that the Lebanese military demilitarize Hezbollah. The Israeli official speaking with Ynet said that talks are just a show and will not result in a deal.
“There is nothing real there,” an Israeli official said. “The Lebanese government does not want to and cannot disarm Hezbollah. But the talks continue in order to ‘drive Hezbollah crazy.’”
