Israel prepares for month-long war with Iran and proxies, official says

2026-03-09 - 09:32

The Israeli army is actively preparing for a scenario in which the war with Iran and its proxies could last at least a month, according to an official in the Israeli General Staff quoted by Yedioth Ahronoth daily. The official stated that the military's leadership has raised the level of readiness across various combat branches in anticipation of further developments and the possible expansion of confrontations in the coming period. Comprehensive preparations The preparations include strengthening air defenses, deploying additional forces and preparing for extended military operations if current clashes continue or expand to additional fronts. The official's remarks indicate that Israeli military planners are accounting for a prolonged campaign rather than the limited engagement initially anticipated when the US-Israeli offensive against Iran began Feb. 28. Regional escalation context The comments come as the region experiences unprecedented escalation, with continued exchanges of strikes between Israel and Iran alongside security tensions on multiple fronts. Israeli forces have been conducting extensive airstrikes in Lebanon against Hezbollah, while Iranian retaliatory strikes have targeted Gulf countries hosting US assets and Israel directly. The conflict has already drawn in multiple actors and shows no signs of de-escalation. Strategic concerns Observers note that the Israeli military's reference to preparations for a relatively prolonged war reflects concerns within the security establishment that current confrontations could evolve into a broader regional conflict lasting weeks or longer. The acknowledgment of a potential month-long timeline suggests Israeli planners are bracing for sustained hostilities that could test military capabilities, stockpiles and national resilience.