# Israel prepares for potential Iran and Gaza operations

- Topic: world
- Source: [jpost.com](https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-913395)
- Published: 2026-10-31
- Original: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-913395
- Language: en
- Image: https://images.jpost.com/image/upload/f_auto,fl_lossy/q_auto/c_fill,g_faces:center,h_720,w_1280/742950

## At a glance

- Israeli officials believe Iran is prolonging nuclear talks to delay US military action until after the midterm elections.
- The IDF is preparing for a ground operation to seize Gaza City after Hamas refused to surrender its weapons.
- The US may push for a UAE-funded Palestinian city in Rafah once the American midterm elections conclude.
- Israeli troops in Hebron are set to demolish homes linked to a recent attack that killed two soldiers.

## Sources

- [jpost.com](https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-913395)

## The story

Israeli defense officials are assessing potential military escalations involving Iran and a renewed offensive in Gaza City. According to defense assessments, Iran is reportedly stalling nuclear negotiations to buy time ahead of the United States midterm elections. While US Central Command has prepared for possible strikes, the White House is expected to delay any military action against the Iranian regime until after the elections, unless a surprise attack is detected.

In Gaza, the Israel Defense Forces are preparing for a ground maneuver to capture Gaza City and dismantle terrorist infrastructure, as Hamas has rejected proposals to disarm. Concurrently, the US is expected to increase pressure on Israel following the midterms to advance plans for a terrorism-free Palestinian city in the ruins of Rafah, potentially funded by the United Arab Emirates.

In the West Bank, troops in Hebron are scheduled to demolish the homes of individuals involved in a recent attack that killed two active-duty soldiers. Defense officials have decided to maintain current troop levels in the region until these specific missions are completed.

> Summary by Daily Read Bytes. [Read the original source](https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-913395)