The elimination of Ismail Haniyeh, a senior figure, and other assassinations, has sparked concerns over an impending retaliatory strike from Iran, with expectations of Hezbollah’s involvement due to the recent killing of Fouad Shukr, a significant Hezbollah operative.
Israel has intensified its defensive posture, particularly enhancing its multi-layered missile defence systems, including the Iron Dome and David’s Sling, alongside air and naval forces on high alert.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have cancelled leaves and prepared for rapid response scenarios, with fighter jets on constant standby. Command guidelines remain steady, instructing civilians to maintain a standard three-day supply of food and water, highlighting the lack of panic within the country.
Anticipated Attack Scenarios
Speculation about the nature of the expected Iranian and Hezbollah response varies. There are concerns over a simultaneous multi-front attack involving thousands of rockets and drones, with the aim of overwhelming Israel’s defences.
While doubts remain about Iran’s missile capability, past failures of Iranian rockets reaching their targets bolster this uncertainty.
Israel’s strategic communication has made it clear that any attack, especially targeting civilian areas, will be met with a disproportionate response, indicating a low tolerance for breaches of its red lines.
International Involvement
The United States has voiced strong support for Israel’s right to self-defence.
A significant US naval presence, including aircraft carriers and missile-equipped warships, has been established in the region, ready to assist in intercepting airborne threats.
This military buildup indicates a robust commitment to countering any escalation and serves as a deterrent against potential Iranian aggression.
Moreover, regional partners like Jordan and Egypt have declared their readiness to shoot down any unauthorised aerial intrusions, further tightening the security net around Israel.
Hezbollah’s Threats Intensify
Hezbollah’s threats have escalated dramatically, particularly following the killing of key military commander Fouad Shukr. The group’s leadership has issued ominous promises of retribution, framing their actions as support for Palestinian allies.
However, the underlying message is clear: a direct threat of widespread violence against Israel.
In a defiant address at Shukr’s funeral, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah condemned the targeted killings of Shukr and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, accusing Israel of crossing “red lines.” He ominously warned that Israelis should brace for “rage and revenge on all the fronts supporting Gaza,” predicting that “Israelis will weep terribly in the days ahead.” Nasrallah’s rhetoric marked a shift to an “open battle on all fronts,” with the promise of increased military activities starting Friday.
This inflammatory language highlights Hezbollah’s intention to escalate the conflict, disregarding any diplomatic resolutions. Nasrallah’s speech was filled with threats of unspecified retaliatory actions. He further claimed that the group’s actions are beyond mere retaliation, indicating a broader, more aggressive agenda.
On the other side, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded with a firm stance, stating that Israel is fully prepared for any form of aggression.
“Israel is very prepared for any scenario — both defensively and offensively,” Netanyahu assured. “We will exact a very heavy price for any act of aggression against us from any arena.”
Nasrallah also attempted to deflect responsibility for a recent rocket attack on the town of Majdal Shams, which tragically resulted in the deaths of 12 children. He denied Hezbollah’s involvement, suggesting instead that an Israeli interceptor could have caused the incident—a claim that contradicts evidence presented by weapons experts.
The Hezbollah chief concluded with a stark and menacing declaration: “There is no discussion on this point. The only things lying between us and you are the days, the nights, and the battlefield.” This statement leaves little room for doubt about Hezbollah’s commitment to retaliatory violence, as Nasrallah reiterated that the group’s response to the killings was unavoidable.
Read also:
Ismail Haniyeh: Hamas Leader Eliminated During Trip to Tehran
Click here for more News & Current Affairs at EU Today
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@eutoday1049
