As Israel prepares for a potential Iranian attack following two significant assassinations that could ignite a new conflict in the Middle East, the United States, from the White House and the Pentagon in Washington, DC, was gearing up on Friday to dispatch additional warplanes to aid in defending Israel against a possible missile or drone assault and to address any significant escalations with Iran and its proxies.
The Jerusalem Municipality has released a document advising citizens on the actions to take in case of an attack. It recommends that people stockpile sufficient food and water for three days. Additionally, the document advises the purchase of batteries, flashlights, and medication.
Israeli ministers have been given satellite phones in preparation for an attack that could strike the country’s communication system, Israeli media Ynet reported. Residents in Jerusalem were told to prepare bomb shelters. Authorities stressed, however, that there should not be “panic”.
HANA LEVI JULIAN LOOKS AT A BOMB THAT COULD BE USED TO DISRUPT COMMUNICATIONS – THE JEWISH PRESS
Iran has vowed to retaliate against Jerusalem for the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas political leader, who was killed in Tehran by a remote-controlled explosive device in what is suspected to be a Mossad operation. Diplomatic sources from the US and Israel within Iran have indicated that Tehran is planning a missile or drone strike potentially aimed at military targets in Tel Aviv.
On Thursday afternoon, President Joe Biden reportedly informed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel that the US would defend Israel against an Iranian attack but would not assist if Israel further escalated the conflict by retaliating. According to Axios, during a “tough” call, the president communicated the US’s preference for a diplomatic resolution with Iran, but also indicated that US forces were prepared to protect Israel alongside Biden’s international coalition if necessary.
Many remember the April 1st incident when Israel struck a facility in Damascus, resulting in the deaths of seven officers from the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. In retaliation, on April 13th, Iran launched over 300 missiles and drones towards Israel, marking the first direct assault from Iranian territory. Only a few penetrated Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system, inflicting minor damage. Additionally, US Air Force units stationed in Jordan and Saudi Arabia collaborated with French, Jordanian, and British counterparts to intercept over 80 drones.
Hours after discussions between Biden and Netanyahu, Israeli defense officials announced their coordination with the U.S. and U.K. in anticipation of a projected strike by Iran. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, in a statement on Friday, confirmed discussions with his American and British counterparts, Lloyd Austin and John Healey, offering a “situational assessment in light of recent security developments.”
Following a discussion with Gallant, Austin directed CENTCOM to deploy a fighter jet squadron to the Middle East and sustain an aircraft carrier’s presence in the area, the Pentagon announced on Friday. This move strengthens the U.S. military’s capability to protect Israel against potential assaults by Iran and its affiliates, as well as to ensure the safety of American forces.
Austin also spoke directly of his conversation with his Israeli counterpart “We will stand with Israel in their self-defense, and that is something that the secretary reiterated to Minister Gallant on his call this morning.”
Additionally, Austin has commanded the deployment of more ballistic missile defense-equipped cruisers and destroyers to both Europe and the Middle East, along with preparations to dispatch further land-based ballistic missile defense systems to these regions, as per a Pentagon statement released Friday evening.
Secretary of State Tony Blinken has been navigating diplomatic channels to explore possibilities for averting an Iranian attack on Israel. In the ever-dynamic Middle East, outcomes are unpredictable, but it remains crucial to never lower one’s guard.
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