Israel Prepares Contingency Plans to Counter Iran’s Nuclear Programme, Sources Say
Israeli security sources have stated that the country has prepared contingency plans to counter ongoing Iranian efforts to achieve nuclear capability. The report was originally published by the Al-Monitor website and subsequently reflected in the Maariv newspaper. According to the report, an Israeli security official emphasised that if progress is made between Washington and Tehran regarding the nuclear issue, Israel will retain its "inalienable right to self-defence". However, the cited sources note that Israel currently lacks wide manoeuvring room. The assessment indicates that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would face difficulties in openly opposing the demands of the US President while Donald Trump faces elections, and would likely be forced to adopt a more cautious stance. One source said that "Kain is looking for an exit", although the text does not specify the official's title. This source added that such a view is not unusual among senior US administration officials. According to the report, concerns regarding further escalation of the conflict and finding a path to end it have been raised in discussions with officials including CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and US Vice President JD Vance. The report comes as the issue of a potential agreement between Washington and Tehran, and its implications for Israel's freedom of action, has become a central focus of Israeli security assessments. Maariv did not publish further details regarding the operational nature of the contingency plans.