Israel Monitors Iran's Economic Pressure While Preparing for Further Escalation

ILLUSTRATION UNSPLASH/Arvin Mogheyse

JAKARTA - Amid the conflict between the US and Iran, Israel continues to monitor the increasing economic pressure on Iran while preparing for the possibility of further escalation, according to three Israeli sources.

Israel has not been directly involved in fighting with Iran since a 24-hour exchange of fire in early June.

Citing CNN, Tuesday, July 21, the sources said Washington did not ask Israel to join the military operation against Iran. However, if US President Donald Trump decides to significantly expand the attack and asks Israel to participate, one source said, "We will be ready."

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are on high alert, but the source said Israel felt comfortable maintaining the status quo, staying out of direct conflict. Meanwhile, the US and Iran continue to attack each other and are far from a nuclear deal, at a time when economic pressure on Tehran is increasing.

"At this time, Israel has no interest in joining the campaign," said Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

Smotrich said limited confrontation between Iran and the US benefits Israel's interests because it increases pressure on the Iranian regime.

"The best way to bring down the regime is to cripple it economically," Smotrich said.