The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have announced a state of “high alert” in anticipation of possible retaliatory actions following the recent assassinations of Hezbollah’s military chief in Beirut and Hamas’s leader in Tehran. An IDF spokesperson assured that the military is prepared to handle any threats.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the situation with US President Joe Biden. The White House emphasized the US’s commitment to defending Israel against threats from Iran, including new US military deployments aimed at countering ballistic missile and drone attacks.
The leaders’ phone call coincided with Israeli reports about efforts to form a regional and international coalition to prevent potential retaliation from Iran and Hezbollah. This coordination is reminiscent of actions taken after Iran’s drone and missile attacks on Israel in mid-April.
Iranian and Hamas leaders have vowed revenge for Haniyeh’s assassination during his funeral in Tehran. Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, declared that the conflict with Israel has entered a “new phase” and warned of impending “rage and revenge.”
The IDF has admitted responsibility for killing Fuad Shukr, but Israel has not officially commented on Haniyeh’s assassination, which Hamas, Iran, and their allies attribute to Israel.
“We struck on Tuesday night in Lebanon, killing Fuad Shukr in a precise aerial attack,” said IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari. He denied any other aerial strikes in the region that night and declined further comment.
The New York Times reported that Haniyeh was killed by a sophisticated remote-controlled bomb planted in his room months earlier.
Rear Adm. Hagari emphasized that Israel has faced various threats since the war began, starting with Hamas’s October 7 attack. He assured that Israel can defend itself and respond forcefully. The IDF is constantly assessing the situation, and there are no changes to Home Front Command guidelines for civilians.
“We have excellent defense systems and international allies who have bolstered their forces in the area to support us,” Hagari said, while cautioning that defenses are not infallible. He urged the public to stay vigilant and follow Home Front Command instructions.
The IDF is on high alert, with troops ready to defend and attack as necessary. Increased aerial patrols and dozens of fighter jets are prepared for immediate action. The IDF is also monitoring and regulating the transport of hazardous materials in northern Israel.
Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel for the first time since Shukr’s death, targeting the Western Galilee. The IDF intercepted several rockets and struck a Hezbollah rocket launcher in southern Lebanon. No injuries were reported.
Israel reportedly warned Hezbollah that while military targets are legitimate, any attacks on civilians would escalate the conflict significantly.
US President Biden reaffirmed his commitment to Israel’s security and discussed new defensive deployments with Netanyahu. He stressed the importance of de-escalating regional tensions. The US anticipates potential retaliation from Iran and is preparing to counter any attacks.