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The Israeli military has increased its readiness level in recent days over the possibility of escalation with Iran or Hezbollah, less than two weeks before general elections scheduled for 27 October, according to Israel's public broadcaster KAN.

The report said there is no concrete intelligence indicating that Iran or Hezbollah intends to carry out an attack on Israel, but the army is concerned about a flare-up on more than one front and is monitoring recent Iranian missile and drone tests.

No concrete intelligence of planned attack

KAN reported that the army raised its alert level despite the absence of specific intelligence pointing to an attack being planned by Iran or Hezbollah. The military is watching developments closely and describes the current period as "sensitive," the report said, citing missile and drone tests conducted by Iran since last week.

An unnamed Israeli security official told KAN: "We are working in order not to be caught by surprise." The report also said recent threatening statements by Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yisrael Katz and Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir could lead the other side to miscalculate, which in turn pushed the security establishment to raise its alert level.

Security cabinet to meet on Thursday evening

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was reported to be convening the security cabinet on Thursday evening with the participation of senior security officials, in light of the developments. A source familiar with the matter described the meeting as routine and said it had been planned within the framework of the current security tensions.

Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir warned in a statement on 14 October that "in view of the growing warnings on all fronts and the sensitivity of the process, the likelihood of escalation has risen."

Reported US plans targeting Iran

Separately, KAN, citing the US-based broadcaster CNN, reported that the US military has drawn up new plans to strike Iran's energy facilities and nuclear sites if President Donald Trump orders a resumption of hostilities. The plans reportedly include the possible use of the Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, known as the "mother of all bombs" and described as the most powerful non-nuclear munition in the US arsenal.

Earlier reports and unanswered questions

In a report published on 10 October, KAN said Israel was preparing for a scenario in which war with Iran resumes before the elections, with options including the Trump administration giving Israel the green light for a unilateral strike. An Israeli official assessed that the likelihood of such a scenario was low.

Israel's Channel 12 reported that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone call with Netanyahu. No details were given about the content of the call or the issues discussed, and it remained unclear whether the contact was connected to Israel's military preparations or to the possibility of tension with Iran.

Israeli media have claimed in recent weeks that Washington and Tel Aviv were weighing a resumption of strikes on Iran. Press reports also said Netanyahu could launch an attack on Iran, Lebanon or Gaza ahead of the 27 October elections.

Key takeaways

• The Israeli army raised its alert level over possible escalation with Iran or Hezbollah, KAN reported, despite no concrete intelligence of a planned attack.
• A security cabinet meeting was set for Thursday evening; Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said on 14 October that the likelihood of escalation had risen.
• KAN, citing CNN, reported US plans to hit Iranian energy and nuclear sites, possibly using the MOAB, if Trump orders a resumption of hostilities.
• An Israeli official judged the chance of a pre-election unilateral strike on Iran to be low.