Israel has heightened its military readiness along its northern frontiers, deploying forces in the Golan Heights and southern Lebanon amid concerns about a possible escalation involving Hezbollah, according to the Israeli newspaper Maariv.

The Israeli military has raised its alert level across the two fronts, with the 36th and 91st divisions deployed in the areas, the newspaper reported, describing the forces as being at a high level of operational readiness.

The measures are intended to prepare for a possible escalation, Maariv said, adding that the military had reinforced several border positions with additional troops, including battalions from the Golani Brigade and training units.

According to the report, Hezbollah has received a green light from Iran to raise its readiness and prepare for a potential confrontation with Israeli forces.

Maariv cited what it described as Lebanese sources as saying that Hezbollah was carrying out a broad range of activities, including recruiting fighters and establishing defensive systems in several parts of Lebanon. These reportedly include the Bekaa Valley, the coastal region and Beirut’s southern suburbs, as well as other areas.

The sources said Hezbollah could launch an offensive operation against Israeli forces, with possible scenarios ranging from an attack on a fortified military position or a military patrol to an attempt to abduct Israeli soldiers.

The newspaper said a similar assessment applied to Hamas in the Gaza Strip, suggesting that Israeli security officials were also monitoring the possibility of attacks on that front.

Katz warns Hezbollah against joining Iran

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has previously warned Hezbollah against joining Iran in an attack on Israel, threatening severe retaliation if the group enters the conflict.

Katz said Hezbollah would suffer a heavy blow and lose additional territory in southern Lebanon, including areas around Nabatieh and the Litani River. He said those areas would become part of Israel’s permanent security zone.

The threats come as Israel continues to assess the risk of a broader regional confrontation involving Iran and its allies.

According to Israeli assessments cited by Maariv, Tehran is seeking to generate a regional security crisis, while Israel’s military aims to avoid being drawn into a wider confrontation and instead strengthen its deterrence.

The assessments also said Israel wanted to ensure that its democratic process and elections could proceed without disruption by Iran or groups aligned with it.

An Israeli military source told Maariv that Iran was driving the cycle of escalation and increasing regional tensions.

“The reality is that we are forced to raise our alert level and remain vigilant for many days, and all of this serves the Iranians,” the source said.