JERUSALEM

The Israeli government has issued directives to hospitals to prepare for the possible reduction of patient numbers in various departments as a precautionary measure, media reports said Friday.

Hospital administrations were instructed to prepare lists of patients who could be discharged to their homes if necessary, according to Channel 12/

The channel said the step “is not linked to an immediate security event,” but is based on guidance previously issued under emergency preparedness plans.

The directive falls within broader preparations for various scenarios, without any official announcement of a change in the current alert level, it added.

The move comes as regional tensions intensify amid concerns that the US could launch a military strike against Iran if no agreement is reached on Tehran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, with Israel preparing for a potential Iranian response.

In recent weeks, the US has reinforced its military presence in the region and signaled the possibility of military action to pressure Iran to abandon its nuclear and missile programs and curb “its regional allies.”

Tehran has accused Washington and Israel of fabricating pretexts for intervention and regime change and has warned it would respond to any military attack, even if limited, while insisting that sanctions relief must accompany any restrictions on its nuclear program.

*Writing by Mohammad Sio in Istanbul.