Israeli troops has been deployed to its borders with the West Bank, preparing for potential ground assaults orchestrated by Hamas and Iran.
This move comes in response to a deadly knife attack in Holon, central Israel, which left two people dead on Sunday, according to Israel’s Army Radio.
Anticipated Air Assault from Iran Following Assassination of Hamas Leader
Israel is on high alert for a major attack, likely by air, from Iran following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas leader, in Tehran last Wednesday. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken informed G7 allies that an attack involving missiles and drones could begin as early as Monday. The G7 countries have urged all parties to de-escalate and engage in constructive dialogue to prevent further violence.
Iran Signals Imminent Missile and Drone Launches
In a sign of impending missile and drone launches, Iran issued public flight operations notices advising aircraft to change their routes. Lufthansa has responded by avoiding Iraqi and Iranian airspace until at least August 7. Despite attempts by Arab nations and the U.S. to de-escalate the situation, Iran remains resolute, with Nasser Kanaani, the Iranian foreign ministry’s spokesman, affirming their right to “punish the aggressor” under international law.
Israel’s Coordinated Response with International Allies
Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has been coordinating the country’s response with Italian and American counterparts, discussing various scenarios and corresponding defensive and offensive measures. Intensive efforts are underway to ensure a coalition of Arab and Western nations will assist in defending Israel against an Iranian attack.
Continued Strikes on Hamas and Hezbollah
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continue their airstrikes on Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Notably, Abed Al-Zeriei, Hamas’s minister of economy in Gaza, was killed in these strikes. Israeli airstrikes also resulted in the deaths of two Hezbollah members in southern Lebanon, following a drone attack in northern Israel that wounded an Israeli soldier and officer.
Calls for Evacuation and Netanyahu’s Stern Warning
Turkey and Japan have urged their citizens to leave Lebanon amid the escalating situation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his firm stance against Iran and its proxies, warning that Israel is prepared to “stand against them on every front and in every arena – near and far,” and that any aggressors will face severe repercussions.
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