Israeli Security Minister Yoav Gallant and Chief of General Staff General Herzi Halevi have reportedly approved the Air Force’s final operational plans for a possible strike on Iran, according to reports from Israeli media.
The Israeli Air Force is now awaiting a green light from the Israeli leadership, which could initiate an operation at any moment, Kan TV reported on Friday.
The preparations come as US reinforcements, including F-16 fighter jets, have been deployed to the region.
Security Minister Yoav Gallant and Chief of General Staff General Herzi Halevi have reportedly approved the air force’s operational plans.
A security source indicated that Israeli forces are on standby, and preparations have been made on the Israeli front to handle a potential Iranian response, should the strike proceed.
The strike plan reportedly involves detailed coordination with the US in interception efforts of Iranian missiles.
Israeli reports indicated that “Israel’s” requests for the transfer of THAAD systems from the US to aid in interception efforts have been fulfilled twice.
F-16 stationed in unspecified base
Meanwhile, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the arrival of F-16 fighter jets from the 480th Fighter Squadron, stationed in Germany, to a base in the Middle East.
This deployment is seen as a precautionary measure in response to the anticipated Israeli strike and a possible Iranian reaction.
Barak Ravid, an Axios correspondent, highlighted the reinforcement on X (formerly Twitter), noting that the aircraft’s arrival indicates a heightened state of readiness.
It is worth noting that Iran’s previous retaliation on Israel Operation True Promise II resulted in the destruction of several F-35 jets.
At least 200 ballistic missiles fired by Iran against Israeli military and intelligence facilities across the occupied Palestinian territories, successfully targeted strategic Israeli military sites, including three air bases in Tel Nof, Nevatim, and Hatzerim.
The IRGC confirmed in a statement that the missile attacks targeted “three military bases” around Tel Aviv, as well as air and radar bases, adding that “90 percent” of the missiles “hit their targets.”
On a related note, a trove of leaked documents from the American National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) recently pointed out that Israeli forces partook in the handling of nuclear-capable Jericho II missiles and advanced air-launched ballistic missiles (ALBMs).
THAAD system: ineffective
The chief commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Hossein Salami said on Thursday that Israel’s actions will lead to its collapse and self-destruction, adding that its reliance on defense systems like the THAAD will ultimately backfire, as it will not protect it.
Speaking at a conference to honour the martyrs of Kermanshah, Salami affirmed that the Israeli entity was digging its own grave, adding that it has been exposed as one of the most hateful regimes in the world, with no politician willingly wanting to visit the country other than those in the United States.
“The Zionist entity is waiting for the consequences of its actions, which will erase its existence off the face of the earth,” he further underlined.
Regarding Operation True Promise II, Salami said that contrary to Israeli claims, Iran’s missile launch proved the incompetence of the occupation’s defense systems, further asserting that its recently deployed THAAD system will not be able to protect it either.
On Lebanon and Gaza’s front, the IRGC commander said the Resistance fighters were steadfast against the Israeli regime, and soon enough, “men from all over the world will join them.”
“We will defeat you [Israel],” he vowed.
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