The IDF says it has stepped up its defensive posture and is closely monitoring developments amid reports of a possible US strike on Iran and Iranian threats of retaliation against Israel, while urging the public to rely only on official updates and avoid spreading rumors.
“I am aware of the reports over the past day and especially in the last few hours and request to clarify – the IDF is closely following the developments,” IDF Spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin says in a statement posted on X.
He adds Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir has been holding ongoing situational assessments in recent days, and that the military is on full alert.
“We are maintaining full oversight and are prepared for any development,” Defrin says, adding that Zamir “has instructed that defensive readiness be strengthened across all formations.”
Defrin also urges the public not to rely on unofficial information.
“Rely only on official IDF statements and avoid spreading rumors that could cause public concern,” he writes, stressing that “at this stage, there is no change in the Home Front Command’s defensive guidelines.”
“The IDF is prepared and will continue to act responsibly to protect the security of the citizens of the State of Israel,” he concludes, saying updates would be issued if necessary.
Help us report truthfully on social media
As a multimedia journalist, my job is to take the quality, fact-based journalism produced by The Times of Israel newsroom and make it accessible across every platform — from Instagram posts to podcasts to short-form videos.
This is how many, especially young people, consume news these days. But misinformation is rampant on social media. Our team at ToI produces accurate, responsible short-form reporting on Israel and the Jewish world.
If you believe in the importance of factual social media journalism, please consider joining our reader support group, The Times of Israel Community. Your financial support is essential to sustain responsible multimedia reporting.
— Gabriella Jacobs, multimedia journalist
Support our work
Support our work
Already a member? Sign in to stop seeing this
You're a dedicated reader
We’re really pleased that you’ve read X Times of Israel articles in the past month.
That’s why we started the Times of Israel - to provide discerning readers like you with must-read coverage of Israel and the Jewish world.
So now we have a request. Unlike other news outlets, we haven’t put up a paywall. But as the journalism we do is costly, we invite readers for whom The Times of Israel has become important to help support our work by joining The Times of Israel Community.
For as little as $6 a month you can help support our quality journalism while enjoying The Times of Israel AD-FREE, as well as accessing exclusive content available only to Times of Israel Community members.
Thank you,
David Horovitz, Founding Editor of The Times of Israel
Join Our Community
Join Our Community
Already a member? Sign in to stop seeing this