"Israel Hayom" newspaper (Israel Today) said that Tel Aviv is reviewing military options for a possible confrontation with Iran, at a time when differences are expected between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the new US administration regarding Iran's nuclear policy.
The newspaper - which is considered the most widespread Israeli newspaper - wrote a headline on its front page saying that the army is preparing 3 options to undermine Iran's nuclear efforts, or to counter what it described as Iranian aggression if necessary, and that it will soon present them to the government.
"Israel Today" newspaper did not cite any sources for its report, but it quoted Defense Minister Benny Gantz as saying that Israel needs a military option on the table.
And Israel has been keeping plans to confront Iran for a long time, and the report seems to indicate that it is now updating these plans.
Unlike President Donald Trump, who withdrew from the nuclear deal and imposed sanctions on Tehran, Democratic President-elect Joe Biden wants to return to the agreement again if Iran returns to its full commitment to it.
Israel is concerned about Biden's softer stance, although Trump's threats of military action have not diminished Iran's nuclear moves.
But Israeli officials expressed hope Biden would maintain Trump's policy of applying "maximum pressure" on Tehran, including imposing tough sanctions, until its nuclear program is dismantled.
On the other hand, one of the Israeli ministers, Finance Minister Israel Katz, did not hide that there are differences with Biden regarding Iran, "and of course this will constitute a challenge," but he expressed satisfaction with Biden's efforts to include Iran's ballistic missile program in any new negotiations on the agreement. Nuclear.
As for Israeli Intelligence Minister Eli Cohen, he said that the Netanyahu government has not yet entered into an official dialogue with the new US administration, but he referred to Tel Aviv trying, through informal channels, to influence Biden with regard to Iran.