Due to massive threats of attack from its sworn enemies, Israeli security forces are on high alert. Israeli TV Channel 12 reports that attacks threatened by Iran and the Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah are expected to occur “on multiple fronts.” This means that in addition to Hezbollah, other armed groups, such as the Houthi militia in Yemen and Iran’s loyal militias in Iraq and Syria, may also be involved in Iran’s attack on Israel.
The risk of a regional armed conflict emerged after two high-ranking enemies of Israel fell victim to fatal attacks. On Wednesday evening, the head of Hamas’s external operations, Ismail Haniyeh, was killed in an explosion at a government guesthouse in Tehran. Hours earlier, a high-ranking Hezbollah commander, Fuad Shukr, was killed in an airstrike in Beirut.
Israel has claimed responsibility for the attack on Shukr but has not yet commented on the assassination of Haniyeh. Iran and Hamas blame the Hebrew state for his death.
Coordinated Attack in the Coming Days?
Israeli leadership is currently discussing possible responses to such a coordinated attack. These include “preparing to enter into a full-scale war,” Channel 12 reported. It remains unclear when acts of retaliation might occur. Tehran and Hezbollah’s statements frequently refer to “the coming days.”
If this happens, Israel can count on support from the US and other allies. The US has announced it will bolster its defensive capabilities in the region. The Pentagon stated it would send additional warships and fighter jets to protect American forces and Israel.
Recently, Israel has faced ongoing rocket attacks from Hezbollah. According to Lebanese security sources, around 50 rockets were launched from southern Lebanon into northern Israel. Israeli media reports that many rockets were intercepted by the Iron Dome defense system.
France has called on its citizens in Lebanon to leave the country. Other countries, such as Germany and the United Kingdom, had already advised their citizens to evacuate Lebanon a few days ago.
