Recent developments, including a meeting with the U.S. Secretary of War, the cancellation of military leave, and the apprehension of draft dodgers, suggest that Israel might be gearing up for another operation against Iran.
Reports indicate that military leaves for Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers are being terminated, while a group of ultra-orthodox Jewish individuals have been detained for avoiding the draft. On Monday, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth also held a quiet meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) directed inquiries to the Department of War, which did not provide an immediate response. Similarly, the Israeli government has yet to address these requests.
As always, it was an honor to visit our warfighters in @CENTCOM today. The best of our country, on a historic mission. Godspeed. https://t.co/UO094Mvw1e
— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) October 20, 2026
In light of Israel’s forthcoming election on October 27, the IDF has been placed on high alert, and the freezing of leaves for service members has been reported by the Times of Israel.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir mentioned that the IDF is in a “highest state of alert” and will maintain vigilance and readiness on all fronts. This means that leaves available to soldiers have been halted across the ranks, with personnel required to remain on base, which is subject to continuous situational evaluations.
At least 40 ultra-orthodox Jews were reportedly arrested at Ben Gurion Airport upon returning from the U.S. for allegedly trying to evade military service, as noted by CBS News.
An IDF statement specified that these individuals, upon passing through the airport, are bound by compulsory military service and will face legal proceedings accordingly.
Historically, ultra-orthodox individuals have received exemptions from the draft until a ruling in 2024, which changed after the Israel-Hamas conflict erupted. Nonetheless, the scale of arrests being carried out by military police in this case appears to be unprecedented.
Hegseth’s meeting with Netanyahu comes just weeks ahead of the elections in Israel and as former President Trump considers renewing actions against Iran.
Neither government has publicly acknowledged this meeting, but Hegseth did share a photo of himself with military personnel in the CENTCOM area, describing their efforts as part of a “historic mission.”
