President Biden will meet with his national security team on Monday in response to fears of an imminent Iranian attack on Israel.
This meeting follows Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III’s call with his Israeli counterpart, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. They discussed U.S. support for Israel and measures to protect U.S. forces in the region amid growing tensions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is already engaged in a “multi-front war” with Iran and its allies. The situation worsened after the recent deaths of a senior Hezbollah commander in Lebanon and Hamas’ top political leader in Iran, which led to threats of retaliation from Iran and its allies.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned that Iran and Hezbollah might attack Israel soon, per Axios while Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla from U.S. Central Command is expected to arrive in Israel to coordinate responses, per Times of Israel.
In Israel, bomb shelters have been prepared, recalling the direct Iranian military assault in April following an Israeli strike. The IDF has been actively thwarting attacks involving explosives smuggled into Israel by Iran-backed groups.
The ongoing war in Gaza, sparked by Hamas’ October 7 attack that killed about 1,200 people and took 250 hostage, has led to severe casualties on both sides. Nearly 40,000 Palestinians have died, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, amid extensive destruction and displacement.
Hezbollah and Israel continue to exchange fire along the Lebanon border, with Hezbollah aiming to support Hamas.