New York: Tensions in the Middle East have escalated significantly over the past week, with reports suggesting that an imminent attack by Iran and Hezbollah on Israel could occur as early as Monday, Axios has revealed.
According to the report, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned G7 counterparts about the heightened risk. Blinken reportedly convened a conference call to coordinate with U.S. allies and apply last-minute diplomatic pressure on Iran and Hezbollah in an effort to prevent a broader regional conflict. However, Blinken did not provide a specific timeframe beyond the speculation that an attack could commence starting Monday.
In addition, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin discussed Israel’s right to self-defense against potential threats from Iran and its proxies during a conversation with his Israeli counterpart on Sunday. The discussion also covered measures the U.S. is taking to enhance protection for Israel and its own forces in the region. President Joe Biden is scheduled to convene his national security team on Monday to review the latest developments in the Middle East and is also expected to speak with Jordan’s King Abdullah.
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Israel Considers Preemptive Strike
In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly considering a preemptive strike if substantial evidence emerges that Tehran is preparing to attack. Following a high-level meeting with senior military officials, including Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi, Mossad Head David Barnea, and Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar, Netanyahu is weighing the possibility of a preemptive strike as a deterrent. Security officials, however, have expressed reservations, indicating that any such action would require clear intelligence of an imminent Iranian attack.
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On Saturday, Netanyahu stated, “Israel is in a multifront war against Iran’s axis of evil. We are striking every one of its arms with great force. We are prepared for any scenario – both offensively and defensively.”
The speculation regarding an imminent Iranian attack on Israel has intensified in the wake of last week’s assassinations of Hezbollah military chief Fuad Shukr in Beirut and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. The Islamic Republic has accused Israel of orchestrating these attacks and has vowed to retaliate.
