President Biden is set to convene with his national security team in the Situation Room on Monday, in anticipation of a potential Iranian strike on Israel.
This meeting follows Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III’s conversation with Israel’s defense minister on Sunday, where he reaffirmed U.S. support for Israel amidst rising tensions with Iran and its affiliates, which pose a risk of a broader conflict following 10 months of confrontations with Hamas in Gaza.
The discussion between Austin and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant revolved around U.S. military posture adjustments that are being implemented by the Defense Department to enhance protection for U.S. forces in the region, ensure Israel’s defense, and deter escalating regional conflicts, according to a Pentagon summary.
A map illustrating U.S. Navy assets located in the Middle East. (Fox News)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed his Cabinet on Sunday that Israel is currently involved in a “multi-front war” against Iran and its proxies.
Increased regional tensions have reached unprecedented levels following the recent deaths of a senior Hezbollah commander in Lebanon and Hamas’ political leader in Iran. Iran and its allies have accused Israel and warned of possible retaliation. Discussions have begun within Hamas to elect a new leader.
ISRAEL PREPARES FOR IRAN ATTACK AMID WARNINGS THAT REGIME IS CLOSE TO HAVING NUCLEAR WEAPON: ‘UNNERVING’
Netanyahu stated that Israel is prepared for any possible scenario. Jordan’s foreign minister has made a rare visit to Iran to partake in diplomatic efforts, emphasizing, “We want the escalation to cease,” according to Ayman Safadi.
Additionally, Secretary of State Antony Blinken reportedly informed his counterparts on Sunday that Iran and Hezbollah could strike Israel as soon as Monday, according to Axios.
Smoke billows following a strike near the Israeli-Lebanese border in the Galilee region, observed from the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
General Michael Erik Kurilla, the head of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), is anticipated to arrive in Israel on Monday to coordinate actions regarding the expected attack, according to the Times of Israel.
A worker passes by debris as a backhoe clears wreckage from a building hit by an Israeli airstrike in southern Beirut on Tuesday night. (AP/Hussein Malla)
In Israel, individuals are preparing bomb shelters and recalling a historic military assault launched by Iran in April, following a suspected Israeli strike that resulted in the deaths of two Iranian generals. Israel announced that the majority of drones and ballistic and cruise missiles were successfully intercepted.
“For years, Iran has been equipping and funding terrorist groups throughout the Middle East, including the smuggling of explosives into Israeli territory for attacks on civilians,” stated IDF Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagar. “The IDF and ISA have already blocked multiple plots in which Claymore-type explosives were smuggled into the country. We remain steadfast in our determination to combat Iranian terrorism wherever it occurs.”
The conflict in Gaza ignited following Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, which resulted in around 1,200 fatalities, predominantly among civilians, and the abduction of roughly 250 individuals. Israel’s severe response has reportedly led to the deaths of nearly 40,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants.
Extensive airstrikes and ground operations have brought about widespread devastation and displaced a significant portion of Gaza’s 2.3 million inhabitants.
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The militant organization Hezbollah and Israel have exchanged fire across the Lebanon border since the onset of the conflict, with intensity increasing in recent months. Hezbollah asserts that its actions aim to alleviate pressure on Hamas, its Iran-backed ally.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
