Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is set to convene a security discussion on January 9 focusing on preparedness for potential military action against Iran, alongside implications of the incoming Donald Trump administration in the US, Israel’s N12 reported.

The security deliberations follow Israel's October 26 strike on Isfahan, which itself was a response to Iran’s strikes on Israel earlier that month, the Israeli media reported.

While Iran's officials initially vowed retaliation, their threats have notably subsided, though recent weeks have seen renewed hostile rhetoric from Tehran. 

Israel's security establishment has maintained heightened alert since October, anticipating possible Iranian retaliation that has yet to materialise.

The IAF has struck several sites of Lebanese Hezbollah in recent days south of the Litani River, while Lebanese authorities recently allegedly seized money from an Iranian diplomat at Beirut Airport; it's unknown at this stage whether Israel passed on intelligence to the Lebanese government of the Hezbollah-destined cash transfer.  

The situation in the Middle East has been further complicated by ongoing Houthi attacks from Yemen against Israel, which Israeli officials link to Iranian influence. In return, Israel has repeatedly struck Yemen's ports and airports in an attempt to cripple the group. 

The current security assessment suggests Iran has begun internal discussions and preparations for a potential Israeli strike on its territory. However, intelligence indicates no immediate signs of Iranian military mobilisation or defensive positioning against such an attack.

Israel anticipates increased cooperation with the incoming Trump administration on Iran-related matters, signalling a potential shift in regional security dynamics.

The security discussion will examine these diplomatic opportunities alongside military preparedness options, following weeks of speculation of increased tensions ahead of the incoming American administration. 

The nuclear question remains central to regional tensions. The outgoing Biden administration recently presented a contingency plan to President Biden for striking Iranian nuclear facilities if intelligence suggests Tehran is advancing toward weapons development before President-elect Trump's inauguration.

Meanwhile, Elon Musk, dubbed a "presidential buddy" to the president-elect, was previously captured leaving a meeting with Iran's diplomatic team from the United Nations earlier in November.  Although officially denied by both sides, that potential meeting was captured by the New York Times and has led to speculation that the incoming administration is conducting back-channel negotiations with Tehran.