JERUSALEM — Israel's military chief said the armed forces are prepared to "immediately resume combat" against Iran if required, underscoring a heightened state of readiness as regional tensions remain elevated following recent cross-border incidents.
Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), made the remarks during a security assessment with senior commanders in the occupied West Bank, according to an official military statement issued on Sunday. He said the military was closely monitoring developments involving Iran while maintaining a high level of operational readiness.
"We are prepared to immediately resume fighting and will act with great force against anyone who harms us," Zamir said, according to the IDF. He also referred to an incident involving a projectile launched toward the Jordanian city of Aqaba, saying Israel's air defense systems remained on alert to protect the country's population.
The comments came amid renewed instability following the breakdown of an earlier pause in hostilities involving Iran and growing concerns that fighting could widen further across the region. Israeli officials have said the military continues to prepare for multiple scenarios while sustaining operations on other fronts.
The IDF said its air force also intercepted a drone detected near the Israel-Syria border, adding that authorities were reviewing the origin of the launch. No casualties were reported in connection with the incident.
Iran has not immediately responded to Zamir's latest remarks. Iranian officials have previously maintained that their military actions are defensive and have warned they would respond to attacks against Iranian territory or interests, while accusing Israel and the United States of escalating the conflict. Those competing claims could not be independently verified.
The renewed rhetoric follows weeks of heightened military activity involving Israel, Iran and the United States. Israeli officials have repeatedly said they would retain freedom of action against perceived threats from Iran, while U.S. forces have expanded their military posture in the region, including the deployment of additional aerial refueling aircraft to support operations if required.
Diplomatic efforts by regional and international actors to reduce tensions have continued, but no new agreement between the parties has been announced. Israeli military officials said they would continue monitoring developments and maintain readiness while conducting ongoing security operations on other fronts.
