Israel is on high alert as the threat of an attack by Iran or its proxies looms large following the killing of a senior officer in Iran’s embassy in Damascus. Countries like India, France, Poland, and Russia have issued warnings against travel to the region, which is already tense due to the ongoing war in Gaza.
The White House National Security Council has confirmed the real and viable threat from Iran. The Israeli military has conducted a situational assessment and approved plans for various scenarios in anticipation of a possible Iranian attack. While no fresh instructions have been issued to civilians, people have been urged to remain vigilant.
The Israeli foreign ministry has not commented on reports of partial evacuations of Israeli diplomatic missions and increased security measures. The largest daily newspaper in Israel, Yedioth Ahronoth, has warned that revenge is imminent.
Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has vowed that Israel will be punished for the airstrike that killed Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi. While Iran has signaled to the US its desire to avoid escalation, the risk of a spiraling conflict remains.
Israel has bolstered its air defenses in preparation for any potential retaliation. The Israeli military has called back reservists and identified rocket launches from Lebanon, most of which were intercepted. The army has also withdrawn troops from Gaza in anticipation of a possible assault on the city of Rafah.
As tensions escalate, parents in Israel have been advised to prepare for possible disruptions in school lessons during the Passover holidays. The situation remains fluid, with the possibility of further escalation hanging in the balance.