Israel’s security establishment is preparing for the possibility that Iran will intensify its efforts to target Israelis and Jewish communities abroad during the upcoming Yomim Tovim, with particular concern over a significant attack carried out through cooperation between Iran’s Quds Force and Hamas abroad.

The concern has intensified due to what security officials describe as a “convergence of dates” — the Tishrei Yomim Tovim coinciding with the third anniversary of the October 7 massacre. Israeli officials believe Iran and Hamas could view this period as an opportunity to strike Israeli targets outside Eretz Yisroel.

At the center of the concern is the possibility that the Quds Force and Hamas abroad will operate together. Security officials fear a significant attack could allow Iran to shift its response to another arena and create a greater impact than previous attacks. Defense Minister Israel Katz has also hinted at concerns over increased attempts by the two groups to cooperate against Israeli targets.

Wednesday’s fire toward Aqaba has also raised red flags in Israel. The security establishment views the incident as a deliberate action intended to signal Iran’s ability to reach the area and sees it as a sign of increased Iranian boldness.

Against the backdrop of the heightened security tensions, the government is expected on Sunday to extend the declaration of a special situation on the home front through September 23. Israeli officials believe that, depending on developments and updated security assessments, the declaration could be extended once again.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)