Israel is preparing for a possible return to war with Iran within days, as municipalities across the country begin opening public shelters amid fears of a ceasefire collapse.
Israeli military officials believe it is only a matter of time, possibly days or slightly longer, before the current situation becomes unsustainable, both in Iran and in Lebanon, potentially leading to a new round of fighting, according to a report on Tuesday by leading Israeli newspaper Maariv .
The warnings come as Israel's new air force chief, Major General Omer Tischler, said on Tuesday that the country was prepared to deploy its entire fleet of fighter jets against Iran if necessary.
"We are closely monitoring the developments in Iran and are prepared to deploy the entire air force eastward if required," he said during a ceremony marking his assumption of command.
Officials in Israel's security establishment reportedly do not see a scenario in which Iran would surrender, hand over its enriched uranium, abandon its nuclear programme, or fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
They also dismissed the possibility that Tehran would abandon Hezbollah in Lebanon or move to disarm the group.
The assessments indicate that Israel and the United States cannot continue managing the situation for long while Iran retains its nuclear programme and enriched uranium, while also posing a threat to the Strait of Hormuz and Israel.
The developments come as Israeli municipalities prepare for a possible escalation, as Israeli news site Ynet reports that, a day after Iran targeted the UAE, city leaders are bracing for renewed fire towards Israel.
In Haifa and Rishon LeZion, mayors Yona Yahav and Raz Kinstlich said they were preparing their cities for any potential developments, highlighting shortages in shelters and protected spaces. In Ashdod, authorities have already announced the opening of public shelters.
Yahav said life in Haifa was continuing as normal, but preparations were underway for any escalation. He warned that around 35% of residents lacked access to shelters, adding that efforts to address the gap could take up to 18 months.
He also criticised the Israeli government and military, accusing them of neglecting northern cities.
"They do not come here or even pick up the phone to call me, despite me being the most experienced politician in the country," he said.
In Rishon LeZion, authorities have already begun opening shelters as a precaution.
Kinstlich said the city was on full alert, noting that around 50,000 residents lack access to protected spaces.
He added that public institutions, including schools, were being opened to allow residents to stay overnight if needed.
Ashdod municipality said its emergency teams were on full alert and that shelters had been opened as part of increased internal readiness, stressing that there had been no change in official instructions from Israel’s Home Front Command.
Mayor Yehiel Lasri called on residents to remain vigilant and follow official guidance, saying municipal systems had been reinforced and were ready to respond to any scenario as tensions continue to rise.