Jerusalem (Parliament Politics Magazine) January 11, 2026 – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will convene a security meeting with senior defense officials on Monday to assess the escalating protests in Iran.
The consultations follow reports of over 116 deaths, mass arrests, and nationwide internet blackouts as demonstrators challenge the regime across more than 100 cities. Netanyahu’s office confirmed coordination with the United States counterparts amid discussions of potential intervention.
The prime minister’s office announced the session late Sunday, with Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir tasked to prepare briefings. Intelligence sources indicate the meeting addresses regime instability implications for Israel’s strategic environment, given ongoing tensions with Iranian proxies.
How are Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah amid Iran tensions?
Netanyahu requested updates on Sunday’s Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon, alongside Iranian proxy movements. The security consultation includes Mossad director David Barnea and National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi. Discussions cover opportunities and risks from Tehran’s domestic crisis.
OSINTdefender reported Israel is on high alert amid potential US action, according to an X post,
“Israel is on high alert for the possibility of direct intervention by the United States in the ongoing anti-government protests in Iran, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussing potential action against Iran in a phone call on Saturday, according to an Israeli source who spoke to Reuters.”
Israel is on high alert for the possibility of direct intervention by the United States in the ongoing anti-government protests in Iran, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussing potential action against Iran in a phone call on… pic.twitter.com/VlVWpUAn8H
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) January 11, 2026
The IDF conducted strikes on over 100 Hezbollah sites, including rocket launchers and drone facilities near Nabatieh and Bint Jbeil, destroying weapons caches.
Sunday airstrikes hit Hezbollah positions from the Litani River to the Blue Line, prompted by rocket barrages wounding Israeli civilians near Kiryat Shmona.
IDF spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin confirmed the degradation of ceasefire violations since the November 2024 truce. Lebanese media reported explosions in Tyre and Marjayoun.
Hezbollah acknowledged wounded fighters but reported no senior losses. Lebanese Armed Forces reinforced southern areas with UNIFIL coordination.
What sparked Iran’s deadly protests and economic unrest?
Demonstrations began on 28 December 2025 over economic collapse, with bazaar strikes in Tehran evolving into regime change demands. HRANA documented 116 deaths, while authorities imposed internet shutdowns on 8 January.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused foreign interference, and President Masoud Pezeshkian called protesters “rioters”.
Exiled Reza Pahlavi urged the city to take over using pre-1979 flags. Triggers include 40 per cent inflation, rial devaluation, and subsidy cuts on food and fuel. US sanctions reimposed by President Trump exacerbate conditions.
What did Netanyahu and Trump discuss about Iran and regional security?
Netanyahu discussed Iran with President Trump on Saturday, alongside Gaza and Syria issues. Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed Israel’s security in talks with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. Trump warned Tehran against protester violence via Truth Social.
US officials consider non-kinetic support, including cyber operations and carrier deployments. Israeli intelligence monitors IRGC redeployments amid domestic distractions.
Social media commentators noted Netanyahu’s emergency discussions. MikeMumbelz said in X post,
“Netanyahu just held an emergency meeting over Shabbat. There’s a good chance the Israelis are going to get involved either openly or covertly. The protestors need the help. Even just weapon cache drops would be helpful. They’re literally fighting rifles with fists and rocks.”
BREAKING:
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) January 11, 2026
An anti-regime protester in Iran’s 2nd-largest city Mahhsad records the regime’s security forces attacking the protesters.
He screams in English for the world to see:
“Look, they’re shooting at us. They’re shooting us” pic.twitter.com/5CoCmwR7js
What are Israel’s security priorities in Lebanon and Iran?
The 10:00 Monday session includes Shin Bet head Ronen Bar and strategic affairs minister Ron Dermer. Topics encompass UN Resolution 1701 in Lebanon, where Israel maintains five border outposts. UNIFIL records 150 monthly violations from both parties.
Defense Minister Katz maintains 25,000 IDF reservists on northern alert. Mossad tracks Iranian nuclear sites and proxy funding diversions.
How are Iran and Lebanon responding to military losses?
Israel has executed hundreds of strikes on Iranian assets since October 2023, including the June 2025 Operation Midnight Hammer on nuclear facilities.
Hezbollah launched 8,000 rockets, prompting 12,000 responses before the truce, displacing 1.2 million Lebanese. Casualties include 3,200 fighters and 1,200 civilians, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.
Iran holds 40,000 rockets despite losses, using Syrian smuggling routes. The Lebanese army deploys 5,000 troops south of the Litani against 10,000 required.
How is the Trump administration targeting the IRGC in its second term?
President Trump’s second term targets IRGC oil revenues. Rubio coordinates parallel to the Venezuelan opposition support. Joint task forces monitor regime fracture indicators like military splits.
Netanyahu praised Trump’s Middle East realignments during the January meetings. US Central Command operations against ISIS in Syria demonstrate alliance capabilities.
How is Lebanon responding to Hezbollah clashes and border strikes?
Hezbollah secretary-general Naim Qassem committed to strategic patience from Beirut. The Lebanese cabinet approved $100 million in defence spending. The Lebanese Red Cross treated minor strike injuries and evacuated border families.
Power outages affected Tyre areas from infrastructure damage. The World Food Programme notes that 80 per cent of southern displacement persists.
How is the international community responding to Lebanon-Hezbollah tensions?
UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged restraint across fronts. France and the UK appealed for ceasefire adherence. Qatar facilitates indirect UN-mediated contacts.
Saudi Arabia conditioned $500 million in Lebanese aid on Hezbollah disarmament. EU foreign ministers scheduled talks.
How are travel and regional measures responding to the Lebanon crisis?
Airlines suspended Tel Aviv-Beirut flights through Monday. Egypt and Jordan closed crossings. Cyprus evacuated dual nationals from Lebanon.
Hezbollah reconstruction exceeds $10 billion amid 150 percent inflation. Gulf states denied Iranian proxy funding requests.
How have past security sessions shaped Netanyahu’s crisis response?
Similar meetings occurred during the 024 Hezbollah escalations and the October 2023 Hamas attacks. Cabinet authorised November 2024 ground operations ending in a US-brokered truce. Iron Dome historically intercepts 90 per cent of incoming fire.
Monday precedes Knesset 2026 defence budget debates, allocating 6 per cent of GDP.
How are US and Israeli forces responding to Hezbollah threats?
Iran protests align with the Yemeni Houthis’ actions and Syrian ISIS fights. US naval assets’ position in the eastern Mediterranean. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati seeks a Security Council session in Davos.
IDF Northern Command repositioned artillery post-strikes. Hezbollah drones intercepted over Galilee. Both evacuated non-essential forward personnel. Israeli operations destroyed 15 per cent of Hezbollah’s cross-border inventory. David’s Sling countered aerial threats.
