Israel braces for potential Iran strike as tensions escalate
In response to the growing threat of a potential attack from Iran, General Tomer Bar, Commander of the Israeli Air Force, has imposed a ban on foreign travel for his soldiers, according to media reports on Monday. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has completely evacuated its headquarters located in the capital of Lebanon, Beirut, as it also fears an Israeli attack.
The restrictions imposed by General Bar do not apply to conscripted soldiers, only to professional military personnel. These measures were introduced following a new security situation analysis, which has not yet necessitated changes in civilian recommendations.
At the same time, according to the latest Israeli intelligence analyses, a significant attack from Iran can be expected as retaliation for the death of Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas, who was killed in Tehran on 31 July. This forecast significantly differs from earlier assessments, suggesting Iran would refrain from decisive retaliation due to international pressure.
New peace talks regarding the Gaza Strip are on the horizon, and they are set to occur in Cairo or Doha this coming Thursday. There are also concerns about a possible attack on Israel from Hezbollah in Lebanon as a reaction to the death of their military leader, Fuad Shukr. The international community and the United States are calling for de-escalation in the face of the risk of conflict escalation, which could turn into a regional war. Washington also pledges support for Israel in defending against anticipated attacks from Iran and its allies.
"We are in a period of vigilance and preparation, at a time when the threats from Tehran and Beirut could materialise," said Defence Minister Yoav Galant.
Galant also added that in addition to defensive preparations, the Israeli armed forces have been developing "offensive response capabilities" that could be deployed anywhere in the region. According to him, the priority remains the defence of Israeli territory.
Hezbollah also fears attacks
The newspaper "Al-Jumhuriya" reported on Monday that the Hezbollah organisation has fully evacuated its headquarters in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. This decision is a reaction to the death of Fuad Shukr. Hezbollah announced that it plans revenge on Israel and simultaneously fears further attacks from Israel.
As previously reported by the Times of Israel, due to fears of Israeli attacks, higher-ranking officers of the organisation have already been evacuated from the Dahieh district in Beirut, considered to be Hezbollah's stronghold.
The killing of Shukr in an Israeli strike on Beirut on 30 July was confirmed by Israeli authorities, who stated that he was responsible for attacks on Israel, including the shelling of the Golan Heights, which resulted in the death of 12 Druze children and teenagers.
In response, Hezbollah announced readiness for retaliation but, at the same time, prepared for the possibility of further attacks from Israel, which could escalate the conflict, informed "Al-Jumhuriya".
Since the beginning of the Gaza Strip conflict in the autumn of 2023, Hezbollah has regularly shelled northern Israel, thereby supporting Hamas. This has triggered Israeli counterattacks. Consequently, tens of thousands of civilians from border areas have been evacuated. As a result of these actions, over 500 people, predominantly Hezbollah fighters, have been killed in Lebanon. At the same time, attacks conducted by this group on Israel have claimed the lives of dozens of people, both civilians and military personnel.
