Iran fears war with IDF as Mossad, Opposition want Israel to attack Tehran 'directly': Report

Hezbollah and Hamas are in shambles but a direct conflict between Iran and Israel can't be ruled out, reports from the Middle East suggest. Tehran is running from pillar to post to make plans if the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) decides to launch a direct assault on the Islamic Republic, Jewish media reports said.

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Iran-backed Houthi rebels of Yemen remain active despite Tel Aviv managing to hand near-lethal blows to Hamas and Hezbollah elsewhere. 

Rocket attacks from Yemen have hit Israel, forcing the IDF to shift its focus to the only Tehran proxy that is alive and kicking. Israeli Air Force hit multiple Houthi targets after 16 people were hurt in a rocket attack from Yemen that struck a playground. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacted to the incident claiming that his country will respond with the same intensity it displayed in the offensive against the foes in Lebanon and Gaza. 

'Israel should attack Iran directly'

The conflict may witness further escalation as important people in Israel, both in power and Opposition ranks, believe attacking Iranian proxies are lines drawn on water. The solution to Israel's long-term safety depends on how quickly Iran is shown its place. 

The Islamic regime should be taken head-on rather than amputating its numerous hands one after another, they believe. With Hezbollah and Syria unable to support it with manpower and missile-making infrastructure broken down in recent airstrikes, the time is ripe for Israel to deal a knockout blow to its archnemesis, these people in Jerusalem say. 

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Among the supporters of a direct assault on Iran are Israel's opposition politician Benny Gantz and Mossad chief David Barnea. Gantz, a former defense minister and IDF chief, warned the Netayanhu government against committing a historical blunder of not striking Iran when it is down. Calling on the country to target Iran, the National Unity party leader said, "...the solution to putting an end to the attacks lies in Tehran... Today, we have the opportunity to catalyze a ‘strategic flip’ against Iran and its proxies. We must capitalize on the opportunity. It would be a strategic mistake of historic proportion not to".

Mossad chief Barnea didn't mince his words either. Targeting Houthis will not guarantee the absolute safety of Israelis and bringing Iran to its knees was the key, he said. "We need to go for the head (of the snake), for Iran. If we only hit the Houthis, it’s not certain we’ll manage to stop them," Times Of Israel quoted the high-level official as saying.

Confusions in Iran

Further complicating things, reports claim, Tehran are aware of a possible IDF offensive against it. According to reports, Iran thinks the real reason behind Israel agreeing on a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah up north was to free up its forces to focus on a direct attack against it.

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Frenzied consultations are going on in Iran's political circles to confirm how and what to do in case of a war.