Israel is placing its military on high alert
Following the targeted killing of senior Hamas leader Haniyeh, Iran and the terror organization threaten retaliation. Israel's air defense is reportedly being put on maximum alert. US Secretary of State Blinken calls on all parties to de-escalate.
In anticipation of possible retaliatory strikes following the attacks in Beirut and Tehran, the Israeli army has been put on high alert, according to media reports. The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation reported that the country's air defense is on maximum alert. Israeli fighter jets were reportedly patrolling the country's airspace and ground troops at the borders have increased their readiness.
Following the targeted killing of a senior leader of the Islamic Hamas in the early hours of Wednesday, Iran and Hamas threatened Israel with retaliation. According to Hamas, its external chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed in an Israeli attack in Tehran. The Israeli government has not yet commented on this.
The news of Haniyeh's killing came just hours after an Israeli air strike on a suburb of the Lebanese capital Beirut, in which, according to the Israeli army, Fuad Shukr, a senior Hezbollah commander, was killed. Two of the most influential men of the organizations in their fight against Israel are thus dead.
Ali Khamenei reportedly ordered attack on Israel
The Broadcasting Corporation reported that Israel expects the Lebanese Shia militia Hezbollah to plan a "strong retaliation". Despite the threats, the Israeli Home Front has not changed its instructions to the Israeli civilian population.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on all parties involved in the Middle East conflict to de-escalate. The goal must be a ceasefire, for which "all parties must talk to each other and stop escalating actions," Blinken said in the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar.
According to a report by the "New York Times", Iran's spiritual leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ordered a direct attack on Israel in a special session of the national security council on Wednesday in response to Haniyeh's killing. Thousands of people gathered in Tehran on Thursday for a funeral procession in honor of Haniyeh, which was also attended by Iranian President Massoud Peschian and the commander of the powerful Revolutionary Guards, Hussein Salami.
Given the escalation of threats from Iran and Hamas following the targeted killing of senior Hamas leader Haniyeh, the following paragraphs shall apply: It is crucial for all parties involved to exercise restraint and avoid any actions that could further escalate tensions. The international community, led by the United States, should actively engage in diplomatic efforts to encourage de-escalation and seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
