Amid escalating Middle Eastern tensions, President Joe Biden is set to convene with his national security team as Iran threatens an imminent attack on Israel.
Daily Mail reported that President Biden plans to meet with his national security team in the Situation Room later on Monday as concerns mount over a potential Iranian attack on Israel within the next 24 to 48 hours.
The heightened anxiety follows a recent attack by Hezbollah on northern Israel, which injured two Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers, and Israel's assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has informed the G7 ministers about the urgency of the situation, emphasizing that the Iranian response could significantly escalate regional hostilities.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III assured Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant of unwavering United States support during a conversation on Sunday. This impending attack by Iran would mark a second direct strike on Israel in the ongoing crisis, with the first occurrence in April involving missiles and drones. The volatile environment underscores the uncertainty faced by U.S. officials, who privately acknowledged to G7 members their limited specifics on the potential retaliation by Iran.
Nasser Kanani, spokesperson for Iran's foreign ministry, contends that Iran has a 'legal right' to retaliate following the targeted killing of Haniyeh.
General Hossein Salami of the Revolutionary Guard echoed this sentiment, ominously warning that "they will see the result of their mistake." Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for launching 30 missiles from Lebanon into the upper Galilee region, a move they describe as retribution for Israeli strikes and targeted assassinations in southern Lebanon.
Israel's Iron Dome air defense system played a crucial role in intercepting many of Lebanon's missiles, mitigating further damage and casualties. However, the latest wave of violence has sparked fears of a broader conflict developing in the Middle East.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has termed the current period a 'multi-front war' with Iran, affirming Israel's readiness to confront any threats. Despite criticism over his perceived reluctance toward a ceasefire, particularly after Haniyeh's assassination halted months of peace talks, Netanyahu maintains his hard stance on national security.
The recent deaths of Haniyeh and Fuad Shukr disrupted negotiations led by American, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators, as highlighted by Middle East expert Andreas Krieg. Despite aggressive rhetoric from all sides, Israel's international allies are striving for de-escalation through diplomatic means.
U.S. military buildup in the region aims to bolster defense capabilities while political figures advocate for diplomatic solutions to lower the prevailing tensions. G7 ministers have strongly urged involved parties to avoid further propagating retaliatory violence, emphasizing that no nation stands to benefit from an escalation in the Middle East.
Many countries, including Japan and Turkey, have advised their citizens to leave Lebanon, following similar actions by France and Italy. This caution is reflective of widespread concerns over the volatile regional climate.
In a stark declaration, Israel has vowed to dismantle Hamas following the group's deadly attack on October 7, which resulted in 1,197 fatalities and the capture of 251 hostages, with 111 still held captive in Gaza. Israel's retaliatory actions in Gaza have led to the deaths of at least 39,583 individuals, as reported by the region's health ministry.
As the globe watches, President Biden's impending meeting signifies a pivotal moment in these escalating hostilities. The international community is collectively holding its breath, hoping for diplomatic measures rather than further militaristic escalations in a region already fraught with historical and contemporary strife.
