- Media: Israel on heightened alert after threats
In anticipation of potential retaliation strikes following the attacks in Beirut and Tehran, the Israeli army has been placed on high alert, according to media reports. The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation reported that the country's air defense systems are at maximum readiness. Israeli fighter jets are reportedly patrolling the country's airspace, and ground troops along the borders have increased their alert levels.
Following the targeted killing of a high-ranking leader of the Islamic militant group Hamas in the early hours of Wednesday, Iran and Hamas have threatened Israel with retaliation. According to Hamas, its exiled 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 death came just hours after an Israeli airstrike on a suburb of the Lebanese capital, Beirut, in which Fuad Shukr, a high-ranking commander of the Shiite militia Hezbollah, was reportedly killed. Two of the most influential figures in these organizations in their fight against Israel are now dead.
The broadcast reported that Israel expects the Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah to plan a "strong retaliation". Despite the threats, the Israeli Home Front has not changed its instructions to the Israeli civilian population.
In response to the threats of retaliation from Iran and Hamas, the Israeli government is prepared to face The retaliation, given the recent targeted killings of high-ranking leaders. Despite the heightened tensions, Israel has not issued any evacuation orders to its civilian population.
