U.S. Advises Iran on Potential Attack on Israel
U.S. President Joe Biden has expressed concern that Iran may launch an attack on Israel soon.
On April 1st, the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria, was targeted in an attack, which Iran blamed on Israel.
The attack resulted in the death of thirteen individuals, including a senior Iranian commander, Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, and his deputy, Brigadier General Mohammad Hadi Hajizadeh.
Since then, there have been concerns that Iran might retaliate against Israel.
Although Israel has not admitted to carrying out the attack, it is believed to be responsible. American officials have informed BBC’s American partner CBS News that a major attack on Israel could occur soon.
Israel has stated that it is prepared to defend itself. Meanwhile, Biden has advised Iran against attacking Israel.
Biden said, “We are committed to defending Israel. We will support Israel. We will assist in defending Israel, and Iran will not succeed in this.”
Iran Supports Proxy Groups Threatening Israel
In addition to supporting Hamas, which fights against Israel in Gaza, Iran supports several proxy organizations in the region that target Israel. This includes Hezbollah in Lebanon.
On Friday, Hezbollah claimed to have launched dozens of rockets from Lebanon towards Israel.
According to an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson, around 40 missiles and explosive drones were launched, with no reported casualties.
An American official informed CBS News that the attack on Israel was separate from any expected Iranian attacks.
What is Iran's Intent?
Iran deliberately wants the Middle East and the U.S. to anticipate attacks.
Since the April attack, Israel believes Iran was clandestinely supplying its proxy organizations in Lebanon and Syria with weapons, while Iran contemplates retaliating against Israel.
The timing is crucial. There are two possibilities: a strong attack on Israel, to which it would respond forcefully, or refraining from a major attack, thereby tarnishing Iran’s image.
This is a time of heightened alert throughout the Middle East, with the United States warning the world that an attack might be imminent.
Iranian officials are calling for restraint, while hardliners, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, demand a strong response against Israel.
However, Iran does not seek a large-scale war and neither do its neighboring Arab states in the Gulf, as their governments have urged Iran to exercise restraint.
Advisories and Preparations
Due to escalating tensions, countries like the U.S., UK, India, and Australia have advised their citizens against traveling to Israel. Germany has urged its citizens to leave Iran.
India has instructed its citizens to avoid travel to Iran or Israel until further notice.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated, “Those already residing in Iran or Israel are advised to contact Indian embassies and register. Residents of both countries are also urged to take precautions for their safety and minimize their outings.”
The U.S. State Department has also barred diplomatic personnel and their families from traveling outside the cities of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Beersheba in Israel.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has met with his war cabinet members.
However, some Israelis remain unfazed by the prospect of a potential Iranian attack.
Speaking to AFP at a market in Jerusalem, Daniel Kosman said, “We know we are surrounded by enemies in the south, north, east, and west. I say with great confidence that we are not afraid. Look around us, people are out and about.”
Israel's Defense Preparedness: Stockpiling Essentials and Strategic Planning
Recently, the Israeli government instructed its citizens to stock up on water, three days’ worth of food, and essential medications. However, no new advisories have been issued.
According to Israeli radio, local authorities have been instructed to prepare for a potential Iranian attack and to keep public shelters ready.
Last week, the IDF announced the cancellation of all leave for soldiers serving in combat units and called up reserves to strengthen air defense units.
Officials from several countries are trying to prevent Iran from launching an attack, fearing it could escalate into a major war.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has spoken with foreign ministers from China, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. Blinken is attempting to use their influence to dissuade Iran from attacking.
Following a meeting with the commander of U.S. Central Command on Friday, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant stated that the relationship between both countries had strengthened in the face of the potential Iranian threat.
He said, “We will know how to respond to the threat of attack.”
Regional Threats: Hezbollah and Houthi Rebels Pose Challenges
On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of nearly 1,200 people, mostly Israeli citizens, and the capture of over 250 individuals.
Following Hamas’s attack, Israel initiated ground and aerial strikes on Gaza.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, these attacks have killed over 33,600 people.
Between conflicts with Hamas, Israel engages almost daily in skirmishes with Hezbollah, backed by Iran, along its northern borders. Additionally, Iran-supported groups in Iraq and Yemen have attempted attacks on Israeli and American targets.
Moreover, Houthi rebels, who control large parts of Yemen, have targeted ships bound for Israel in the Red Sea. In response, the U.S. and the UK have targeted Houthi rebels in Yemen.