Israel is on high alert for a potential direct attack from Iran, which could occur in the southern or northern regions within the next 24 to 48 hours, as per a Wall Street Journal report. Although an individual briefed by Iranian leadership mentioned that attack plans are under discussion, a final decision has not been made yet.
The heightened tensions come after Tehran accused Israel of an airstrike on a diplomatic building in Damascus, Syria, which resulted in the death of top Iranian military officials, including a senior member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ elite Quds Force.
US intelligence earlier indicated that an attack on Israeli assets by Iran or its proxies was likely imminent. However, it now seems the attack might take place within Israel’s borders. American intelligence reports suggest an Iranian retaliatory strike could happen within days, potentially on Israeli soil, the WSJ report said.
In response to the threat, the American Embassy in Israel has limited US government employees and their families from personal travel outside of central Israel, Jerusalem, and Beersheba until further notice. Gen Michael Erik Kurilla, the commander of US Central Command, visited Israel to discuss the security threats with Israeli military officials.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking from an air base, has pledged a robust response to any attacks on Israel, emphasizing readiness for both defensive and offensive actions to secure the nation.
The attack in Damascus, which Syria also attributes to Israel, led to the death of Gen Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a key figure in Iranian paramilitary operations in Syria and Lebanon. Zahedi’s death marks a significant loss for Iran since the U.S. assassination of Gen. Qassem Soleimani in 2020.
Intelligence from Israel suggests that the targeted building in Damascus was not a diplomatic site but one used by the Quds Force under a civilian guise. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has presented several strike options to the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, including direct attacks using medium-range missiles.
Social media accounts linked to the Revolutionary Guard have posted videos simulating missile strikes on Israeli targets such as Haifa airport and the Dimona nuclear facility. Iran has also threatened to target Israel’s power and desalination plants if attacked.
Despite the preparations, Ayatollah Khamenei has not yet decided on the plans, considering the potential repercussions of a direct attack, which could provoke a strong Israeli counterstrike.
Iran might also leverage its proxies in Syria and Iraq to carry out attacks, and has moved drones out of warehouses recently. Other potential targets include the Golan Heights, Gaza, or Israeli Embassies in the Arab world, aiming to demonstrate the risks of maintaining friendly relations with Tel Aviv.
Direct response
Meanwhile, Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant declared on Thursday that Israel would retaliate to any Iranian aggression.
“A direct Iranian attack will require an appropriate Israeli response against Iran,” Gallant said during a meeting with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, as per the comments released by his office.
The Pentagon highlighted the ongoing discussions about the steadfast U.S. commitment to the security of Israel in the face of threats from Iran and its affiliates.
“Echoing President Biden’s unequivocal message to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, Secretary Austin reassured Minister Gallant of unwavering U.S. support in defending Israel from Iranian threats, which have been openly declared by Tehran,” the Pentagon reported.
Furthermore, the Pentagon noted that the arrival of the U.S. Army General Michael “Erik” Kurilla in Israel was expedited to facilitate urgent discussions with Israeli military leaders about prevailing security challenges. General Kurilla has been visiting Israel frequently in recent months.
