Israel is prepared to confront the expected attack by Iran and its allies, who have vowed to avenge the killing of Ismail Haniyeh and Fouad Shukr.
Yesterday, the United States sent F-22 Raptors (the most advanced stealth fighter that it does not sell to foreign countries) to the Middle East, to bolster its military force in anticipation of an expected attack by Iran and its allies against Israel.
The deployment of the fighter jets is intended to “counter threats from Iran and Iran-backed organizations,” according to U.S. Central Command, or CENTCOM.
Israel responded positively to the invitation of the United States, Egypt and Qatar for new negotiations on August 15.
Israel: Fears of a possible major Hezbollah attack in Haifa
The United States is on high alert.
Last Friday, the US Department of Defense announced the deployment of additional warships and fighter aircraft to the Middle East.
US military forces have been put on high alert after Iran threatened to avenge the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran a few days ago, as the war in the Gaza Strip continues.
US: Iran will suffer dire consequences if it attacks Israel
Iran would suffer “serious” consequences if it decided to attack Israel, a US official said today, an escalation that would threaten hopes of reaching a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke by phone with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Galad. The two men discussed steps the United States has taken to defend Israel and the possibility of reaching a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.
Israel positive for negotiations with Hamas
Israel has responded positively to calls from the United States, Egypt and Qatar for ceasefire talks next week, saying it will send negotiators to attend. Hamas has not responded.
Call for a ceasefire in Gaza
The United States, Egypt and Qatar are mediating a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The three countries have called on Israel and Hamas to resume talks on August 15 in Doha or Cairo.
“It is time to conclude a ceasefire agreement and release hostages and prisoners,” the announcement said.
Iran reconsiders form of ‘response’ to Israel
According to the Guardian, Iran could “reconsider the scale and shape” of its response to Israel over the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, and is unlikely to be deterred if Muslim countries do not explicitly support an Iranian military response.
The article said that despite the condemnation of Haniyeh’s killing by Islamic countries, there was “no official collective support” for an Iranian attack after the extraordinary meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Jeddah during the week.
According to the Wall Street Journal, quoting an American official, it says that the United States has sent a clear message to Iran that the risk of a major escalation if it launches a major retaliatory strike against Israel is very high.
The United States warns Iran of the grave risks to its economy and the stability of the newly elected government if it follows this path.
Angry Iranian Foreign Minister: ‘Haniyeh’s assassination will cost Israel dearly’
Iran’s interim foreign minister said yesterday that Israel had made a “strategic mistake” that would cost it dearly by killing Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh.
“The action committed by the Zionists in Tehran is a strategic mistake and will cost them dearly,” Ali Bagheri said in Jeddah a day after an emergency meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
He accused Israel of wanting to “expand the war” in the region, considering that the Jewish state “neither has the ability nor the strength” to fight Iran.
Iranian officials have raised threats of revenge against Israel over Haniyeh’s assassination on July 31. Israel has neither claimed nor denied responsibility for his killing.
Houthi leader: Delay in response to Israel is “purely tactical.”
The leader of Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels said their belated response, along with that of Iran’s other regional allies, to recent Israeli actions was “purely tactical.” He added that the goal was to provide a “truly effective response,” taking into account Israeli and American defensive measures.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “We are prepared for both defense and attack. We strike at our enemies and are also determined to defend ourselves.”
The Iranian attack is expected to take place in the coming days, as Hezbollah prepares to strike Israel regardless of what Iran plans to do, according to CNN, citing intelligence sources. According to the same information, Hezbollah is moving faster than Iran in its planning and may strike Israel in the coming days.
Yob Galant warns Hezbollah
Israeli Defense Minister, Job Galant, claimed that Hezbollah is responsible for the current escalation of the conflict, which has brought the entire Middle East to the brink of all-out war.
He stressed that “the State of Israel aims to achieve peace, prosperity and stability on the northern border on both sides.”
“If Hezbollah continues its aggression, Israel will fight it fiercely,” he added.
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