Israel is bracing for a multi-day attack of rockets and drones from Iran and Hezbollah in retaliation for the recent assassinations of a top Hezbollah commander and Hamas’s leader, an Israeli official tells NBC News.
“They’ll aim to exhaust us,” the official says, adding that there is “strong US pressure to secure a ceasefire” in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
“President Biden wants this to happen during his term,” the official notes.
Officials within the US-led multinational coalition, which is reportedly preparing to assist Israel in countering a potential Iranian attack, have been cautioning Israel against responding too aggressively, according to a report by the Kan public broadcaster.
“Don’t escalate,” the unnamed officials have reportedly advised Jerusalem. “Consider your actions carefully before retaliating. The ultimate goal is to avoid triggering an all-out war.”
Back in April, a large-scale drone and missile attack from Iran was thwarted by a coalition that included Israel, the United States, Britain, France, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain.
Kan reported yesterday that Western diplomats believe the same coalition could be reassembled if necessary.
Meanwhile, Iran has firmly rejected attempts by the United States and Arab nations to de-escalate rising tensions in the Middle East, even as the situation remains highly volatile.
According to a Wall Street Journal report, Iran has signaled its intent to strike Israel despite international calls for restraint.
The threat comes amid increasing fears of a potential conflict involving the Iranian-supported Hezbollah group based in Lebanon.
The escalation began after the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last Wednesday, an attack Iran has attributed to Israel.
In retaliation, Iran has vowed to strike back against Israel, disregarding efforts by Jordanian and Lebanese foreign ministers who visited Tehran to mediate and defuse the situation.
Iran’s stance remains resolute, with officials stating that the nation is prepared to face any consequences, including a full-scale war, if necessary.
In response to the mounting threat, Israel is on high alert, preparing for a potential multi-day assault that could involve missile attacks from Iran and its allies.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant have been engaged in consultations with security chiefs to evaluate and plan responses to potential Iranian provocations.
The Israeli military is ready to execute any directives from political leaders and is contemplating preventive measures if needed.
The U.S. is also closely monitoring the situation and has begun forming an international coalition to counter potential threats, with CENTCOM in Qatar coordinating these efforts.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken is considering a visit to the region to assess the situation and provide diplomatic support.
