The White House, citing intelligence, has warned that there is an “increasing likelihood” that Iran or its allies will attack Israel in the coming days. Spokesman John F. Kirby declared that a potential attack could occur “as early as this week”. The warning comes despite reports of the Israeli military being on “highest readiness” in anticipation of a retaliatory strike.
The Middle East is on high alert after Iran retaliated for two recent attacks. On July 31, Israel killed Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, followed by an airstrike on senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Lebanon.
As tensions escalate, five world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, urged Iran to “back off” and issued a joint statement supporting ceasefire efforts between Israel and Hamas. The US, Britain, France, Germany and Italy are working to ease tensions and prevent further violence.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz took direct action to address the crisis, and contacted Iran’s newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian to try to calm military tensions.
Discussions on a ceasefire brokered by Egypt and Qatar are expected to resume on Thursday. However, a White House spokesman said those discussions could be delayed if Iran attacks.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military has stepped up patrols over neighboring Lebanon and continues to attack targets daily. Military spokesman Daniel Hagar announced increased air patrols over Lebanon, Hezbollah’s home region, and continued attacks on targets to “remove threats.”
Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Herzai Halevi assessed the situation with top military leaders, focusing on maintaining a high level of readiness for both “offensive and defense”.
The US Pentagon has also strengthened its commitment to the region. Pentagon spokesman General Patrick Ryder has confirmed that Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III has ordered the deployment of additional fighter jets and missile-defense ships as well as the guided-missile submarine USS Georgia to the Middle East.
