It is feared that Lebanon-based Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group, could play a heavy role in any such retaliation, which in turn could spark a serious Israeli response.
Israel has warned that if an all-out war erupts, its military actions would be far more extensive than those seen in the 2006 conflict. A top United States general is currently in the Middle East as the US and Israel prepare for a possible attack from Iran that may happen “as early as Monday morning.”
According to Axios news, officials in Washington and Jerusalem expect Iran and its proxies to attack Israel “as early as Monday morning” to retaliate for the killings of Hezbollah military chief Fuad Shukr and Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh last week. It is feared that Lebanon-based Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group, could play a significant role in any such retaliation, which in turn could prompt a serious Israeli response.
Here are the top developments:
– The Israeli security establishment is on “peak alert” and members of a US-led international coalition — including Britain and allied Arab states — aimed at thwarting potential Iranian attacks on “several fronts” are braced to try to deter and intercept them, Channel 12 reported.
– Gen Michael Kurilla, head of the US Central Command, reportedly arrived in the Middle East yesterday on a planned trip that coincides with defense preparations for a threatened Iranian strike, according to The Times of Israel.
– The Pentagon, in a statement, said that it was moving a fighter jet squadron to the Middle East and maintaining an aircraft carrier in the region, beefing up the American military presence to help defend Israel and safeguard US troops.
– According to the BBC, two British military ships are already in the region and the Royal Air Force has put transport helicopters on standby.
– The United States has advised its citizens to leave Lebanon using “any available ticket,” amid growing concerns that the conflict in the Middle East could escalate. The UK, Sweden, France, Canada, and Jordan have issued similar warnings to their citizens.
– Israel and the US are coordinating a regional and international coalition to prevent potential attacks, similar to the incident on April 13-14 when Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles at Israel.
At around 00:25 local time on Sunday, Hezbollah launched dozens of rockets at the town of Beit Hillel in northern Israel. Videos shared on social media showed Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system intercepting the rockets. No casualties have been reported.
How Dangerous Is the Situation?
Cross-border clashes between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Hezbollah have become frequent since the October 7 attacks, with more than 400 fatalities reported in Lebanon and 30 in Israel, according to The Conversation. Both sides have seen significant displacement, with approximately 150,000 people forced to leave their homes on each side of the border.
According to News18, despite the escalation following October 7, Hezbollah and Israel have been engaged in intermittent conflict since Hezbollah’s formation in 1982. Residents of Haifa in northern Israel are anxious about potential Hezbollah attacks, while people in southern Lebanon fear IDF strikes. Although attacks have primarily targeted military positions, civilians in southern Lebanon have been significantly affected, leading many to flee their homes.
Hezbollah is reported to possess an advanced arsenal, including over a million rockets, anti-tank weapons, suicide drones, and various missiles, largely supplied by Iran and Russia. While Israel’s missile stockpile is more extensive, the IDF faces complex political, strategic, theological, and economic challenges.
As tensions rise and the potential for conflict looms, the international community must remain vigilant and proactive in seeking diplomatic solutions. The situation requires careful monitoring and preparedness to prevent further escalation. Stay informed and engaged with updates on this critical issue, and consider supporting organizations that aid those affected by the conflict.
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