Israel braces for potential Iran strike as Hezbollah evacuates
In response to the growing threat of a potential attack from Iran, General Tomer Bar, Commander of the Israeli Air Force, has imposed a ban on foreign travel for his soldiers, media reported on Monday. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has wholly evacuated its headquarters in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, due to fears of an Israeli attack.
2:11 PM EDT, August 12, 2024
The restrictions imposed by General Bar apply only to professional military personnel and do not affect conscripted soldiers. These measures were introduced following a new security situation analysis, which has not yet necessitated changes in civilian recommendations.
According to the latest Israeli intelligence analyses, a significant attack from Iran is expected as retaliation for the death of Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas, who was killed in Tehran on July 31. This forecast differs significantly from earlier assessments, suggesting Iran would avoid decisive retaliation due to international pressure.
New peace talks regarding the Gaza Strip are set to take place in Cairo or Doha this coming Thursday. There are also concerns about a possible attack on Israel from Hezbollah in Lebanon in response to the death of their military leader, Fuad Shukr. The international community and the United States are calling for de-escalation, fearing that the conflict could escalate into a regional war. Washington has also pledged support for Israel in defending against anticipated attacks from Iran and its allies.
"We are in a period of vigilance and preparation, at a time when the threats from Tehran and Beirut could materialise," said Defense Minister Yoav Galant during a parliamentary foreign affairs and defense committee session.
Galant also added that, in addition to defensive preparations, the Israeli armed forces have been developing "offensive response capabilities" that could be deployed anywhere in the region. According to him, the priority remains the defense of Israeli territory.
Hezbollah also fears attacks
The newspaper "Al-Jumhuriya" reported on Monday that Hezbollah has fully evacuated its headquarters in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, due to the death of Fuad Shukr. Hezbollah announced plans for revenge on Israel while simultaneously fearing further attacks from Israel.
As previously reported by the Times of Israel, higher-ranking officers of the organization have already been evacuated from the Dahieh district in Beirut, considered to be Hezbollah's stronghold, due to fears of Israeli attacks.
The killing of Shukr in an Israeli strike on Beirut on July 30 was confirmed by Israeli authorities. They stated that he was responsible for attacks on Israel, including the shelling of the Golan Heights, which resulted in the death of 12 Druze children and teenagers.
In response, Hezbollah announced readiness for retaliation but, at the same time, prepared for the possibility of further attacks from Israel, which could escalate the conflict, informed "Al-Jumhuriya."
Since the beginning of the Gaza Strip conflict in the fall of 2023, Hezbollah has regularly shelled northern Israel to support Hamas. This has triggered Israeli counterattacks. Consequently, tens of thousands of civilians from border areas have been evacuated. As a result of these actions, over 500 people, predominantly Hezbollah fighters, have been killed in Lebanon. At the same time, attacks conducted by this group on Israel have claimed the lives of dozens of people, both civilians and military personnel.
