Israel Military Maintains Civilian Guidelines Amid Iranian Threat

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reaffirmed on Sunday that its public instructions remain unchanged despite the potential for retaliatory actions from Iranian forces following the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh. IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari emphasized that the military is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East, particularly concerning Iran and Hezbollah, and is prepared to adjust its directives if necessary. Reports from CNN Political and Foreign Policy Analyst Barak Ravid indicate that Israeli intelligence believes Iranian forces may be planning an attack in the near future, potentially before the scheduled hostage deal discussions on August 15. A source familiar with the situation described the current state as "fluid," suggesting that internal debates within Iran could influence their decision-making process. As ceasefire negotiations are set to occur this week, the threat of an Iranian or Hezbollah attack remains a significant concern for Israel. Leaders from the United States, Qatar, and Egypt have indicated they may present a "final bridging proposal" aimed at facilitating a ceasefire and a hostage agreement between Israel and Hamas. In a related development, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel will send a delegation to participate in the upcoming talks, highlighting the urgency of resolving the ongoing conflict and the complexities surrounding the situation in Gaza.