2024-08-12 00:57:19
According to media reports, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant warned in a conversation with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin that Iran may launch a major attack on Israel in the coming days. U.S. news website Axios reported, citing people familiar with the matter, that Galante interpreted Iran’s military preparations during the phone call as a sign of an imminent major attack.
The Israeli Defense Minister’s assessment is based on current observations of Iranian military activities. Further details about the conversation between Galante and Austin were unclear. Therefore, Israeli intelligence agencies believe that Iran has decided to directly attack Israel. Israel also believes this could happen in the coming days, a reporter for media portal Axios reported, citing two sources. The statement said the attack was in retaliation for the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in the Iranian capital Tehran at the end of July.
In light of growing tensions in the Middle East, the United States is increasing its military presence in the region. The Pentagon announced that US Defense Secretary Austin ordered the deployment of a missile submarine. In an unusual move, the U.S. Department of Defense disclosed the submarine’s movements. Additionally, Austin directed Task Force Abraham Lincoln to expedite deployment in the area. The U.S. Navy’s maritime force consists of an aircraft carrier, an air wing, and several frigates.
Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement in Haniyeh’s death. Israeli Defense Minister Galante had previously warned Iran and the Lebanese Hezbollah militia of retaliatory strikes. “Anyone who harms us in a way that has not happened in the past may be hit in a way that has never happened in the past,” Galante said. Israel is fighting for survival in a hostile environment.
Israel is preparing to announce retaliatory strikes after the killing of a military commander of the Lebanese Hezbollah militia and a leader of the Islamist Hamas, the group’s ally in Iran. “I hope they will take this seriously and not get to the point where it forces us to do significant damage and increase the likelihood of war on other fronts,” Galante said. “We don’t want that, but we have to be prepared. “
Two people were killed in a suspected Israeli attack in Lebanon, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. Lebanese security services said they were members of the Hezbollah militia. The incident reportedly took place in the border town of Tybee. Israeli forces said they attacked Lebanese Hezbollah members in the area.
Israeli forces reportedly attacked other targets of the pro-Iran group in neighboring countries. At the same time, multiple artillery shells from Lebanon hit Israeli territory. No injuries were initially reported.
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