Israel is on high alert to the possibility of US intervention in Iran, as the Tehran government faces the largest wave of anti-government protests in years, according to three sources familiar with Israel.
President Donald Trump in recent days has continuously issued threats of intervention, and warned Iranian leaders not to use force against protesters. On January 10, Mr. Trump declared that the US is "ready to help".
However, sources - those who attended Israel's security consultations this weekend - did not specify how being placed on high alert is understood.
Previously, Israel and Iran experienced a 12-day conflict in June 2025, in which the US participated with Israel in airstrikes.
In a phone call on January 10, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the possibility of US intervention in Iran, according to an Israeli source present at the exchange. A US official also confirmed that the two sides had a phone call, but did not disclose the content.
Israel has so far sent no signals of wanting to intervene in the Iranian situation as protests spread, amid long-standing tensions between the two rivals due to Israel's concerns about Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
In an interview with British media on January 10, Netanyahu warned that Iran would suffer "terrible consequences" if it attacked Israel. Referring to the protests, he said: "As for other issues, I think we should monitor what is happening inside Iran.
