On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated during a cabinet meeting that Israel has engaged in a “multi-front war” with Iran and its proxies. The United States and its allies are preparing to protect Israel from retaliation to prevent a more serious regional conflict.
Israel has been in a war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip for nearly 10 months. Last week, senior Hezbollah commander and a Hamas leader in Lebanon and Iran were “targeted” leading to a sharp escalation in tensions. Iran and its allies accused Israel of launching the attacks and vowed to retaliate.
Hamas has mentioned that they have started discussions on selecting new leadership.
The White House announced that President Biden will convene the National Security team on Monday to discuss the developments in the Middle East and also have a call with Jordan’s King Abdullah.
According to Axios citing three sources, US Secretary of State Blinken mentioned at the G7 Foreign Ministers meeting on Sunday that Iran and Hezbollah may attack Israel in the next 24 to 48 hours. This indicates Iran could potentially strike Israel as soon as Monday.
On Sunday, Netanyahu stated during the meeting that Israel is prepared for any scenario.
As part of diplomatic efforts, Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi visited Iran, stating, “We hope the situation will not escalate any further.”
Last Friday, the Pentagon announced the deployment of the USS Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, as well as more warplanes and warships heading to the Middle East.
White House Deputy National Security Adviser Jonathan Finer mentioned on CBS’s “Face the Nation” program, “The overall goal is to reduce the heat in the region, deter and defend against these attacks, and avoid a regional conflict.”
Finer added that the US and Israel are prepared for various possibilities.
The Associated Press pointed out that some in Israel have prepared bomb shelters and are concerned that Iran might launch similar airstrikes as in April this year.
In April, an airstrike suspected to be by Israel caused multiple deaths, including two Iranian generals at the Iranian embassy compound in Syria. Following this, Iran unprecedentedly launched direct military attacks on Israel. At the time, Israel stated that almost all of Iran’s drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles were intercepted.
The rescue organization Magen David Adom mentioned that a stabbing incident near Tel Aviv on Sunday resulted in the death of a woman in her 70s and an elderly man in his 80s, with two others injured. The police confirmed the attack was carried out by a Palestinian radical who was “subdued.”
In Gaza, Hamas-controlled health ministry stated that Israel struck two schools in Gaza City, resulting in at least 25 deaths and 19 injuries. The Israeli military mentioned targeting a Hamas command center. However, Israel has often accused Hamas of hiding in civilian areas.
Earlier, another Israeli strike caused at least 18 deaths. The Gaza Health Ministry stated that one attack hit a tent camp in a hospital courtyard. However, the Israeli military stated it targeted a Palestinian radical in the attack, leading to a second explosion, indicating “the presence of weapons in the area.”
The Israeli military mentioned that Palestinian militants in Gaza fired five rockets near the border adjacent to Israeli communities but caused no casualties or damage.
Subsequently, the military advised residents in parts of Khan Younis in southern Gaza to evacuate.
The Gaza Health Ministry reported that Israel’s offensive has resulted in at least 39,580 Palestinians killed, with the department not distinguishing between civilians and combatants.
Since the start of the Gaza conflict, Hezbollah and Israel have continued to clash along the Lebanon-Israel border, with the intensity escalating in recent months. Hezbollah stated this is to alleviate pressure on Hamas. Following the killing of a senior Hezbollah commander last week, more countries, including the US, are increasingly encouraging citizens to leave Lebanon.