1-10-2024 (WASHINGTON) The United States Embassy in Israel has taken decisive action in response to escalating tensions in the region, issuing a comprehensive shelter-in-place directive for all US government employees and their family members across Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. The announcement, made public through the embassy’s official website on Tuesday, underscores the gravity of the current situation and the heightened concern for the safety of American personnel in the area.
The United States government has issued a stark warning that Iran is on the brink of launching a ballistic missile attack against Israel, according to a high-ranking White House official. This revelation comes amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, with the region teetering on the edge of a potentially catastrophic conflict.
Speaking to Axios, the senior official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the information, stated that the US has “indications that Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel”. The gravity of the situation was underscored by the official’s assertion that the US is “actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack”.
The White House has not minced words in its response to this perceived threat, warning of “severe consequences” should Iran proceed with such an attack. “A direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran,” the official emphasised, highlighting the potential for a significant escalation in the region.
This development comes in the wake of Israel’s recent military operations in southern Lebanon, targeting the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia. The invasion, which commenced on Monday, has further inflamed tensions in an already volatile region.
Iran’s potential missile strike is seen as a long-awaited retaliation for a series of events, including the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran two months ago. Despite pressure from Hezbollah to take action against Israel in recent weeks, Iran had thus far refrained from direct involvement.
However, US and Israeli officials now fear that the combination of Israel’s ground invasion in Lebanon and the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah may have pushed Iran to reconsider its stance. Nasrallah, a longstanding ally of Iran’s supreme leader, represented a significant link in Iran’s regional strategy.
In response to the looming threat, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a statement, declaring, “We are in the midst of a campaign against Iran’s axis of evil. We must stand together. We will stand firm together in the challenging days ahead.” This resolute message underscores the gravity with which Israel views the current situation.
