IDF on high alert as threats multiply across multiple fronts

A base breach attempt near Bnei Brak and a US strike on an Iranian dhow underscore the widening security challenge.

IDF on high alert as threats multiply across multiple fronts — On Wednesday evening, about 50 rioters attempted to break into a military base near Bnei Brak where Haredi soldiers serve, an incident that MK Avigdor Lieberman described by saying "Anyone who tries to break into an IDF base is simply a terrorist; we must stop them all now and throw them in jail." [^1] The breach attempt came as the IDF Spokesperson announced a military exercise scheduled for today in the Samaria Brigade area, from morning until noon, with increased movement of security forces expected. [^2] Across the northern border, Defense Minister Israel Katz visited Lebanon on Wednesday and issued a sharp threat to Hezbollah, warning that "Nasrallah destroyed the Shiite community until he was eliminated – and Naim Qassem may destroy it completely – until he too is eliminated." [^3] Hours earlier, the Israeli army shelled the surroundings of Tel Krum and the Jabbata al-Khashab woods in the Quneitra countryside with five shells. [^4] Meanwhile, the US military destroyed an Iranian-affiliated dhow in the Gulf of Oman on Wednesday after evacuating the crew, a move that comes as Iranian officials have told regional diplomats in recent days they are certain the United States will attack. [^5] IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said today that "the potential for escalation is growing," a sentiment echoed in the assessment that Iran has about 1,600 ballistic missiles left and that the fear of a mistake by one side could lead to unwanted escalation. [^6] The dilemma is sharp: Iran may see an interest in escalation before elections in the US and Israel, while US and Israeli decision-makers are reluctant to initiate moves before those votes. [^6] The question now is whether the multiple pressure points — from the base near Bnei Brak to the Gulf of Oman — will hold or break into a wider confrontation. Urich-Qatar meetings, police draft-arrest cancellation, and PA election delay — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's close advisor, Jonathan Urich, admitted in a police interrogation that he met in Europe with Ali al-Thawadi, a confidant of the Emir of Qatar, during the war.[^1] The admission, made to Lahav 433