As tensions mount, Iran may attack Israel in the next two days.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, attends a meeting with officials on Wednesday in Tehran, Iran.
According to a Wall Street Journal story on Friday, Israel is currently on high alert for a possible direct attack from Iran that may target the country's southern or northern regions over the next 24 to 48 hours.
Tensions have increased as a result of Tehran accusing Israel of attacking a diplomatic building in Damascus, Syria, on April 2. Leading Iranian military figures were killed in this incident, including a senior member of the elite Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Though assault plans are being discussed, a final decision has not yet been made, according to a person briefed by Iranian leadership.
According to multiple media sites, US intelligence had previously indicated that Iran or its proxies may launch an impending attack on Israeli installations. Current estimates, however, suggest that the onslaught may be directed towards Israeli land. The Wall Street Journal writes that American intelligence sources suggest that an Iranian counterattack might happen within days, possibly inside Israel's borders.
The US Embassy in Israel has placed temporary restrictions on personal travel to central Israel, Jerusalem, and Beersheba for US government employees and their families in reaction to this threat. The article also stated that US Central Command Commander Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla visited Israel to talk with Israeli military leaders on security risks.
Speaking at an air base, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressed that his country is prepared for both offensive and defensive actions to protect itself and promised a strong response to any assaults on it.
Why is Iran prepared to fight Israel?
A key player in Iranian paramilitary activities in Syria and Lebanon, General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, died as a result of the attack in Damascus, which Syria also blamed on Israel. With Zahedi's passing, Iran has suffered a great loss since the US assassinated General Qassem Soleimani in 2020.
According to media accounts, Israeli intelligence suggests that the facility in Damascus that was struck was not a diplomatic location, but rather was used by the Quds Force in a covert civilian capacity.
Iran is practically ready to attack Israel.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, has been supplied with a range of strike options by the Revolutionary Guard of Iran, including direct attacks with medium-range missiles.
Revolutionary Guard-affiliated social media sites have shared recordings of mock missile assaults on Israeli targets, including the Dimona nuclear complex and Haifa airport. According to sources, Iran has reportedly threatened to destroy Israel's desalination and electricity installations.
Ayatollah Khamenei, the top leader of Iran, has not yet concluded plans despite preparations because of the possible consequences of a direct attack, which might result in a fierce Israeli counterattack.
Iran has reportedly taken drones out of warehouses and may launch assaults through its proxies in Syria and Iraq, according to the Wall Street Journal. It went on to say that other possible targets would be the Golan Heights, Gaza, or Israeli embassies abroad, all of which serve to highlight the dangers of keeping cordial ties with Tel Aviv.
Yoav Gallant, the Israeli defence minister, declared that Israel would respond aggressively to any aggression by Iran. According to his office, Gallant stated, "A direct Iranian attack will prompt an appropriate Israeli response against Iran," during a meeting with US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin.
US affirms "ironclad" backing for Israel
The Pentagon highlighted continued talks about the US's unwavering commitment to Israel's security in the face of Iranian threats.
As worries about Tehran launching "significant" strikes in retaliation for the explosion of the Iranian consulate building in Damascus mounted, US President Joe Biden reaffirmed on Thursday his "ironclad" commitment to Israel against any Iranian attack.
The statements were made by Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during a joint news conference. "As I stated to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, we are steadfastly committed to protecting Israel from grave threats posed by Iran and its allies. I'll say it again: unquestionable. We will take every precaution to ensure Israel's security," he continued.
Secretary Austin told Minister Gallant that the US would always stand by Israel in protecting it from Iranian threats, reiterating President Biden's statement to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to sources.
Moreover, the Pentagon stated that reports stated that US Army General Michael "Erik" Kurilla's quick arrival in Israel was intended to enable urgent talks on current security challenges with Israeli military authorities. In recent months, General Kurilla has travelled to Israel on several occasions.