Israel has reportedly entered a state of 'high alert' in anticipation of potential U.S. intervention in Iran, according to three Israeli sources with knowledge of the matter. This heightened readiness is a direct response to the escalating anti-government protests sweeping across Iran, which have been described as the biggest in years. U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to intervene in recent days, publicly warning Iran's rulers against using force against demonstrators and stating on Saturday, January 10, 2026, that the U.S. stands 'ready to help'. The possibility of U.S. intervention was a key topic of discussion between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a phone call on January 10, 2026, an Israeli source confirmed. The current tensions are set against a backdrop of a recent 12-day war fought between Israel and Iran in June 2025, which saw the U.S. actively participate in launching airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities. Additionally, reports indicate that Prime Minister Netanyahu had approved an 'Iron Strike' plan targeting Iran earlier in January 2026, reflecting Israel's ongoing concerns about Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Iran, for its part, has issued warnings that any American strikes over the protests would make U.S. troops and Israel targets. The current situation is further complicated by recent U.S. actions in Venezuela, with some officials in both the U.S. and Israel exploring 'regime change options' for Iran. The Economic Times and The Hindu, among others, corroborated these reports, underscoring the critical and trending nature of this geopolitical development.