Preparing for Iran attack on Israel likely this week: US
The United States must be ready for potential "significant" attacks on Israel this week, White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby said on Monday (local time), as tensions in the Middle East remain high. This statement follows President Joe Biden's discussions with the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy, as the US seeks to de-escalate the situation in the region.
Why does this story matter?
Tensions in West Asia have intensified after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced on July 31 that Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in a Tehran attack. Iran blamed Israel and vowed "punishment." Although Israel hasn't confirmed or denied involvement, it had previously threatened Haniyeh and other senior Hamas figures for their roles in the October 7 terrorist attacks.
'Have to be prepared...': Kirby
"We share the same concerns and expectations that our Israeli counterparts have with respect to potential timing here. Could be this week," The Times of Israel quoted Kirby as saying. "We have to be prepared for what could be a significant set of attacks," he added, according to the newspaper.
'Call for leaders to reaffirm Israel's defense'
Kirby said that the call was "largely for all the leaders to repeat what they have said before in terms of reaffirming Israel's defense." The White House national security communications advisor added that the leaders will have to "send a strong message that we don't want to see any rise in violence, any attacks by Iran or its proxies."
Joint statement on military threats against Israel
To recall, in a joint statement on Monday, US President Biden and the leaders of the UK, France, Germany, and Italy urged Iran to cease its military threats against Israel. The statement said, "We call on Iran to stand down its ongoing threats of a military attack against Israel" and warned of "serious consequences for regional security" if such an attack occurs.
