After high-profile assassinations, Israel braces for retaliation, wider conflict
Tensions have flared in the Middle East following the assassinations of Hamas's chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday and top Hezbollah commander, Fouad Shukur, in Beirut. The region is bracing for an Iranian retribution after the country's supreme commander threatened to attack Israel over the killing of Haniyeh on its soil. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah also hinted that a concerted attack on Israel was in the works after Israel assassinated Shukur less than 24 hours before Haniyeh was killed.
Regional conflict intensifies amid ongoing Gaza war
Their assassinations have exacerbated regional tensions amidst the ongoing Gaza war, which has seen participation from Iran-backed groups in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen. In light of this rising tension, the United States will send an additional fighter squadron and warships to the Middle East to help defend Israel should Iran react militarily to this week's assassinations. According to reports, the deployment would mark the largest mobilization of US forces to the region since the beginning of early Gaza war.
Air travel suspended, global leaders express concern
India has also issued an advisory to its nationals staying in Israel, asking them to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols. This advisory was issued after the Indian Embassy in Beirut strongly recommended against travel to Lebanon until further notice and suggested that Indian nationals currently there should leave. Consequently, Air India has suspended flights to and from Israel's Tel Aviv until August 8 due to the escalating situation.
Read the full advisory here
Attack likely in coming weeks
US officials said the expected Iranian attack could take place in the coming days, and the US is closely monitoring the region for any clues of how it may unfold. They said the strike may be similar to Iran's April barrage of ballistic missiles and drones on Israel, but it could also be larger and more intricate, coordinated with Iranian proxies in the region.
Israel warns adversaries, White House voices concern
On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country was prepared for any "aggression" against it following threats of revenge for the killing of top Hamas and Hezbollah figures. "Israel is at a very high level of preparation for any scenario, both defensive and offensive. We will make any act of aggression against us pay a very high price," Netanyahu said. "Those who attack us, we will attack in return," he further asserted.
