IDF will issue 10-minute warning ahead of expected Iranian missile attack
The IDF aims to provide at least a 10-minute warning before Iran’s counterattack, but advises people to stay close to safe areas due to uncertain intelligence.
When Iran carries out its expected counterstrike against Israel's attack on its nuclear and military assets, the IDF's Home Front Command will give a minimum of a 10-minute warning to the country.
IDF officials are hopeful that they may even be able to give an earlier prior warning if they can determine from various intelligence signs that Tehran is moving toward an attack, even before the attack starts.
The army was able to accomplish this when the Islamic Republic attacked Israel in October 2024.
However, this is an uncertain proposition and depends on tricky intelligence issues, such that the home front still suggests people stay in or near their homes, so that they can get to their safe areas within a 10-minute warning period.
The IDF believed there was a real risk of an Iranian attack
The military explained that this morning’s nationwide preemptive warning was, in part, an overcorrection for its earlier decision to limit public preparation in order to preserve the element of surprise in striking Tehran.While many citizens complained about being unnecessarily awoken, the IDF believed there was a real risk of an immediate, large-scale Iranian missile attack.
Officials were especially concerned that the public might react too slowly, as many—like Iran—did not believe an Israeli strike on the Islamic Republic was truly imminent.
