IDF on high alert - fears of desperate Iranian moves 

Israeli security officials have expressed concern that Iran may take extreme actions against Israel in response to significant shifts in the regional strategic balance. IDF Chief of Staff Herzli Halevi has placed the military on high alert and instructed preparations for a range of scenarios, according to Walla News.

Iran is facing mounting internal and external challenges. Domestically, the rial has plummeted, losing 10% of its value within a month of U.S. President-Elect Donald Trump’s reelection in November. Worsening energy shortages have led to nationwide electricity rationing and blackouts, fueling protests and criticism of the regime.

Externally, Iran’s influence is crumbling. Its proxies Hamas and Hezbollah have suffered devastating losses, its ally Bashar al-Assad has fallen in Syria, and its air defense systems were incapacitated following Iran's ballistic missile attacks on Israel.

With Trump expected to adopt a stricter stance against Tehran - including potential military actions or intensified economic sanctions - Israeli officials anticipate further destabilization in the region. They warn that Iran’s desperation could drive it to adopt aggressive measures in the coming weeks.

Despite its growing challenges, Iran is working to maintain its regional influence. According to Walla, Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps members are using civilian aircraft to transfer funds to Hezbollah in Lebanon. This effort aims to help the terror group rebuild after suffering significant losses in its conflict with Israel, including the destruction of banks and vaults holding Hezbollah's financial reserves.

Iran’s involvement in conflicts across Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, coupled with domestic economic and political instability, raises fears that Tehran’s response to mounting pressure may target Israel directly. The IDF remains on high alert, preparing for every scenario, with a focus on potential extreme actions by Iran, even if the likelihood is low.

Additionally, there is concern that Iran may accelerate its pursuit of nuclear capabilities. Facing increasing isolation, the regime might view nuclear weapons as its only means of survival or as a deterrent against its adversaries.