Israel on highest alert as Iran and Hezbollah threats loom
The Israeli military is on "highest alert" due to the possibility of an attack by Iran or Hezbollah, army spokesperson Daniel Hagari said on Monday evening. According to Israeli and U.S. authorities, a "significant attack" could occur in the coming days.
“We are monitoring the actions of our enemies, primarily Hezbollah and Iran, and the air force has increased the number of patrols over Lebanon to detect and neutralize threats,” said Hagari. The Israeli army spokesperson added that the military is prepared both for defence and for attack.
He also assured that the public will be informed of any threats as early as possible. However, this is to be done in such a way "as not to give our enemies intelligence information and operational advantages".
Will Iran strike Israel?
On Sunday evening, Israeli media reported that, according to intelligence, a direct attack by Iran on Israel could be expected in the coming days. This is a change from previous assessments, which suggested that Iran had abandoned a strong retaliatory strike due to international pressure and that an attack on Israel would only be carried out by Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Both Iran and its ally, Lebanese Hezbollah, have announced revenge for the deaths of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders at the end of July in attacks attributed to Israel.
Washington pushes for a ceasefire
“We expect a ‘significant series of attacks’ by Iran on Israel, which could occur as early as this week,” said National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby on Monday. He added that President Joe Biden had discussed the Middle East situation with the leaders of Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Italy.
"We support Israel in its defence against Iran and the terrorist groups it backs and call on Tehran to cease its threats of attack on that state," declared the leaders of the U.S. and four European countries in a joint statement.
Washington sees a ceasefire not only as a chance to end the war in the Gaza Strip, which has already claimed the lives of nearly 40,000 Palestinians but also to more broadly calm tensions in the Middle East.
Prime Minister Starmer spoke with the president of Iran
On Monday evening, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with Iranian President Masud Pezeszkian, urging Tehran to refrain from retaliatory attacks on Israel, as there is a serious risk of miscalculation, and war is not in anyone's interest.
The Prime Minister said he was deeply concerned about the situation in the region and called on all sides to de-escalate and avoid further confrontation. “There is a serious risk of miscalculation, and now is the time for calm and caution,” said Starmer. "He called on Iran to refrain from attacking Israel, adding that war is not in anyone's interest," said a statement issued by Downing Street after the 30-minute phone conversation between the two leaders.
"The leaders agreed that constructive dialogue between the United Kingdom and Iran is in the interest of both countries. The Prime Minister added that this can only continue if Iran ceases its destabilizing actions, including threats against individuals in the United Kingdom, and does not continue to support Russia's invasion of Ukraine," the statement said.
