Tensions in the Middle East are escalating, with US and Israeli officials warning of a potential Iranian attack on Israel as early as Monday. This comes amid a series of violent incidents, including airstrikes, assassinations, and military mobilizations.
US Central Command General Michael Kurilla arrived in the Middle East on Saturday, coinciding with Israel’s heightened alert over the possibility of an Iranian retaliation for the recent assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Although Kurilla’s visit was planned before the recent surge in violence, it is seen as an effort to gather international and regional support, similar to the coalition that supported Israel in April.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has accused Israel, with US backing, of orchestrating Haniyeh’s killing. The Guard stated, “The action was designed and carried out by the Zionist regime and supported by the U.S.,” and warned of a harsh response.
Israel has not confirmed or denied involvement in Haniyeh’s death. The assassination, which came shortly after Israel’s killing of Hezbollah’s military chief in Beirut, has led to calls for retaliation. Iran and its allies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, have vowed to respond, with Iran expecting Hezbollah to target deeper into Israel.
US and Israeli officials suggest that an Iranian attack could be imminent, potentially starting as early as Monday. In response, the US has increased its military presence in the region, deploying a fighter jet squadron and maintaining an aircraft carrier in the Middle East. Both the US and British governments have advised their citizens to leave Lebanon due to the rising tensions.
An Israeli delegation led by Mossad Chief David Barnea recently visited Cairo to meet with Egyptian intelligence officials. This visit follows US President Joe Biden’s call for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to consider a cease-fire, despite the complications arising from Haniyeh’s assassination.
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes in the West Bank on Saturday killed nine Palestinian militants. The Israeli army targeted a vehicle outside Tulkarem, killing five Hamas militants. Later, four more militants were killed after allegedly opening fire on Israeli troops. Since the conflict with Hamas reignited in Gaza in October, over 590 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in the West Bank.
