While tensions are escalating in the Persian Gulf, a climate of restraint and military readiness continues to prevail in Israel. Israeli political and military leadership is closely monitoring developments. A telling example is tonight’s statement by Defense Minister Israel Katz, who made it clear that his country is prepared for any scenario, even the possibility of a third attack on Iran. However, the general sense is that, for the time being at least, the current flare-up on the Iran-U.S. front is a purely American affair.

Will Israel “re-enter” the Iran-U.S. conflict?

In any case, the question remains whether Israel will ultimately decide to “re-enter” the Iran-U.S. conflict by participating in the U.S. airstrikes.

In response to this seemingly simple question, our station’s analyst on Middle East issues and visiting professor of international relations at Panteion University, Gabriel Charitos, citing well-informed Israeli sources, stated on tonight’s main news broadcast on ALPHA Cyprus that everything will depend on the quality of the Iranian targets that from now on.

Specifically, if the U.S. continues to bomb Iranian targets that have either already been struck in the past or lack significant strategic and/or energy-related importance, then the Israeli side will interpret the U.S. military actions as yet another attempt to restart negotiations. In such a case, Israel will not decide to participate in U.S. strikes, unless, of course, Iran decides to attack Israel—and in that case, it is clear that the Israelis will retaliate.

If, however, it becomes apparent that the United States is striking Iranian targets of great strategic importance and/or significant energy value, with the ultimate goal of bringing about the complete collapse of the regime in Tehran, then Israel will very seriously assess the circumstances in order to prepare to actively “re-enter” the Iranian front.

Watch Gabriel Haritou’s report live from Jerusalem on tonight’s main news broadcast on ALPHA Cyprus with Dimitra Makrygianni: