Iran plans Tisha B'Av attack on Israel in revenge for Haniyeh
According to Sky News Arabia, which cites Western intelligence sources, Iran plans to attack Israel in retaliation for the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. They even provided an approximate date.
The attack would take place during the Jewish holiday of Tisha B'Av, which this year falls from sunset on August 12 to sunset on August 13. The operation is expected to be coordinated with actions by the Lebanese Hezbollah, which Iran supports, the portal reported.
The symbolism of Tisha B'Av
Tisha B'Av is a holiday commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. Its observance involves fasting and repentance. According to the Jerusalem Post, an attack on this day would have significant psychological and emotional impacts.
The newspaper recalled that in the past, attacks on Israel by its opponents have also taken place on important Jewish days. Examples include the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, during Simchat Torah, which closes the holiday of Sukkot, and the attack by a coalition of Arab states on Israel in 1973 during Yom Kippur.
Current tensions in the Middle East
The current situation in the Middle East is the most tense it has been in months, threatening further escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran and its allies: the Palestinian Hamas, Lebanese Hezbollah, and the Yemeni Houthi movement. On Tuesday, an Israeli attack on Beirut killed Hezbollah's military leader, Fuad Shukr, and on Wednesday, an attack on Tehran, also presumably by Israel, killed Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh. Iranian, Hezbollah, and Hamas leaders have all vowed revenge.
Declarations of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard
Revenge for Haniyeh's killing will be "severe and occur at the appropriate place and time," emphasized a Saturday statement from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. The US is calling for de-escalation and the finalization of talks regarding a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip conflict.
