Amid escalating tensions, Israeli officials are considering a preemptive strike against Iran, leaving no option off the table.

Following a Sunday meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and top security officials, including the defense ministry, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Mossad, and Shin Bet, Israel is preparing for a potential attack from Iran or its proxy terrorist organizations.

Concerns over Israeli security have heightened following the recent assassinations of Hezbollah military chief Fuad Shukr in Beirut and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

Israel has not claimed responsibility for Haniyeh’s death, but Iran and Hamas have both blamed Jerusalem.

Israeli reports indicate that “airtight” proof of an imminent Iranian attack would be needed before a preemptive strike is launched. A subsequent meeting on Monday between top defense officials signaled that Jerusalem is on high alert.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant visited an Israeli Air Force (IAF) command center, where he met with the commanding officer, Gen. Tomer Bar, and other top officials to discuss Israel’s defensive and offensive capabilities, according to the Ministry of Defense.

“Our enemies are carefully considering their every move because of the capabilities you have demonstrated over the past year. Nevertheless, we must be prepared for anything – including a swift transition to offense,” Gallant said.

Border towns in northern Israel have also been placed on alert, as officials prepare for a potential Iranian attack.

Mayors were reportedly given an “Updated Scenario” by the IDF outlining the potential ramifications of a war, including a three-day power outage, unreliable water supply for several days, disconnected landlines for up to eight hours, disrupted cellphone communications for up to 24 hours, and brief interruptions to radio and internet access, according to The Times of Israel.

The document also predicts that up to 40% of Israel’s workforce may be unable to work during the conflict, and service providers from outside conflict areas will likely be inaccessible.

The document did not provide an estimated timeline for the duration of such a conflict.

Security officials have been bolstering defenses, with substantial payloads ranging from warheads containing roughly 100 pounds of explosives – like the rocket that killed 12 children after it hit a soccer field in Majdal Shams last month – to 10 times that amount.

Maj. Gen. Ori Gordin, the IDF commander of the Northern Command, met with regional officials on Sunday to address troop preparedness in the north.

“I want you to know that our future offensive plans are ready, and we are prepared, across all units, including me down to the last soldier,” he told local authorities, according to a statement provided by the IDF. “We have targeted and destroyed a lot in the last 10 months, but we still have work to do, we are determined and committed. 

“We are determined to change the situation here in the north and bring our residents back home,” he added.

The number of Israeli citizens evacuated from northern Israel is unclear, but some estimates range as high as nearly 80,000.

While some evacuees are reportedly being housed in hotels, plans are being made to shelter others in Jerusalem-based schools, and tent cities are also being erected in the south.

IDF officials reportedly said previously erected safe houses remain effective protective shelters from Hezbollah rocket fire, and Shin Bet has prepared an underground shelter in Israel’s capital city for Netanyahu and other top officials.

The bunker, first built 20 years ago, has been made fully operational by the internal security agency, is capable of sustaining hits from a “range of existing weaponry,” and has command and control capabilities, according to The Times of Israel on Sunday.

The bunker – which has not been used in the previous 10 months since war broke out – is also connected to the Defense Ministry’s Tel Aviv headquarters.

Digital’s Yonat Friling contributed to this report.