US warns G7 of potential Iranian attack on Israel: Report
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has reportedly alerted G7 countries about a potential attack by Iran and Hezbollah on Israel, Axios reported. The assault could begin as early as Monday, according to the warning. However, another report suggested that in response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is contemplating a preemptive strike on Iran to prevent an attack on Israeli soil.
Netanyahu considers preemptive strike
According to a report in Israeli newspaper Times of Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu has convened a meeting with top officials from Israel's leading intelligence agencies. The attendees included representatives from Mossad and Shin Bet, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, among other high profile defense officials.
Hezbollah's attacks
Hezbollah, Iran's first proxy in the Middle East, has been intensifying its attacks deeper into Israeli territory. The group is funded and armed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and primarily recruits from Lebanon's Shiite Muslim population. Recent tensions have escalated following Israel's assassination of a senior Hezbollah military commander, Fuad Shukr. Netanyahu stated that "Israel is in a multifront war against Iran's axis of evil," expressing readiness for any scenario both offensively and defensively.
US increases military presence, embassies urge citizens to leave
In response to escalating tensions, the US is bolstering its military presence in the Middle East, reports said. A fighter jet squadron has been deployed and an aircraft carrier is being kept nearby to assist Israel. Meanwhile, several embassies, including India's, are urging their citizens to leave Lebanon while commercial flights are still available. Numerous foreign airlines have suspended flights to and from Israel as a precautionary measure.
Rising tensions impact oil prices
As tensions rise, oil prices have also seen an increase due to the potential for an Iranian strike on Israel. Brent crude has exceeded $77 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate traded near $74. Amidst these developments, US President Joe Biden is set to convene his national security team to discuss the situation in the Middle East. The escalating conflict and its potential impact on global oil markets are likely to be key points of discussion.
