IDF tries to calm Israeli public amid rumors of Iranian surprise attack, stresses the military is prepared for any scenario

The spokesman of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) addressed the Israeli public in an unusual statement on Monday evening, trying to calm the public amid swirling rumors of an expectation of a large Iranian attack in the near future. 

Echoing recent statements by IDF chief Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, IDF Spokesman Brig.-Gen. Effie Defrin stressed that for now, “the protests in Iran are an internal matter.” 

“In recent days, many rumors have circulated in light of the situation in Iran. As clarified in the past, the IDF is prepared defensively and remains on alert for surprise scenarios if required,” Defrin emphasized. 

“We continue to conduct ongoing situation assessments and will provide updates if there are any changes. I emphasize: Do not lend a hand to rumors.” 

Over the past few days, Israel's leadership has been discussing the situation in Iran, fearing that the intensifying protests and possible American strikes could cause the regime to lash out against Israel, as it has threatened to do several times.

On Monday, a rumor had spread on social media that the Tel Aviv municipality had ordered to open its public bomb shelters, which would have strongly suggested an expectation of an impending Iranian attack. 

In addition, thousands of Israelis have been receiving threatening text messages from the Iranian regime over the past few days, warning them of incoming missiles barrages in cryptic language. “We are coming. Look at the sky in the midnight,” one of the messages read. 

Israel’s National Cyber Authority told the public that “this is nothing more than an attempt to create panic among the public,” instructing Israelis to ignore the message, not to distribute it further, and to block the sending number. “Don't stress, don't share, just continue with your routine," the statement said. 

Monday’s rumors caused several mayors to turn to the public with calming messages. Ness Ziona Mayor Shmuel Boxer said, “We are in continuous contact with the Home Front Command and security officials. At this stage, there is no change in instructions for residents, and daily life continues as usual. Municipal teams are prepared for any scenario, including immediate readiness to open public shelters if necessary.” 

“Shelters in Ramat Gan have been open for weeks, so there is no need for announcements about their opening,” added Ramat Gan Mayor Carmel Shama-Hacohen. “Unlike Operation Rising Lion, this time the situation depends less on us and more on what happens in Iran or in the mind of President Trump. I promise to continue keeping my finger on the pulse. We are working to ensure that light rail stations are opened as public shelters as quickly and smoothly as possible. It is important to understand that until a state of emergency is declared, the stations are not under municipal authority.” 

Amid the ongoing tensions, the IDF’s former intelligence chief Tamir Hayman told Radio 103FM on Monday that miscalculations had almost caused Israel to strike Iran twice in recent weeks. 

However, Hayman emphasized that “there is no zero action at the moment,” while an American influence campaign has been underway. 

“If the US conducts only a symbolic strike and we are attacked, we will not contain it,” he said. “If Washington mounts a heavy response and our added value is marginal, we should act wisely.” 

According to The Jerusalem Post, the Israeli military is maintaining its highest level of readiness and “plans to strike back with immense power” in case of an Iranian attack to ensure the country’s security.