Tensions simmer in the Middle East as Israel anticipates a potential attack from Iranian-backed militias including Hizbullah, despite Iran’s foreign ministry voicing its unwillingness to provoke further regional unrest but asserting its intention to retaliate against Israel to hinder further destabilisation.
Amidst the escalating tensions in the region, G7 countries voiced their serious worry and called upon all implicated parties to strive towards reducing the hostility. The US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, warned counterparts in the G7 that an Iranian assault on Israel could transpire within the next one to two days.
This strained atmosphere follows the recent murder of two extremist leaders in Tehran and Beirut by Israel, which took place seven hours apart last week. These incidents occurred after the loss of twelve children and teens in an attack on the Israeli-held Golan Heights, for which Israel holds Hizbullah accountable.
Defensive head, Yoav Gallant reassured air force leaders on Monday of Israel’s readiness to handle any potential scenarios, saying, “Our foes are thoroughly considering their next move given your demonstrated capabilities over the previous year. Nonetheless, we must be ready for all possibilities, including a swift transition to offence.”
The Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog offered comfort to his citizens by saying, “I don’t dismiss the severity of the threat. I understand the fears and concerns, especially in light of the incidents on October 7th. However, I can say with confidence, being privy to intelligence and various information, that the state of Israel is ready to deal with this threat.”
The United States is supporting Israel and has deployed a significant number of warships, fighter aircraft, and defensive systems to the region. As reported by Israeli media, President Joe Biden approved the dispatch of half-ton bombs for fighter planes, a proposal that he had previously postponed for several months due to concerns about potential civilian casualties in Gaza. However, he is withholding the delivery of around 1,800 heavier MK-84 bombs weighing one ton amid continuing friction with Israeli prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu over the stagnant Gaza ceasefire talks.
After a Hizbullah drone strike targeted northern Israel on Monday, two soldiers have been injured. However, the Israeli army successfully intercepted multiple drones launched from southern Lebanon and neutralised a militant group handling one such drone.
In an Israeli airstrike that targeted a car in the Deir al-Balah district of Gaza, five Hamas constables lost their lives. As per local accounts, the officers were responsible for ensuring the safety of convoys distributing humanitarian aid.
On Monday, Gaza launched about 15 rockets targeted at southern Israel, marking the fourth day of unrelenting bombardment. Over the weekend, the coastal city of Ashdod, located 40km away, also fell prey to the artillery fire.
The health ministry of Gaza, which is currently under Hamas leadership, claims the Israeli conflict, which kicked off on October 7th, has led to the death of over 39,600 Palestinians. Israel, on the other hand, reports that 1,200 people have perished and 253 people been captured in the sudden Hamas raid on the same day, leaving 116 captives still withheld in Gaza. Israel could also confirm that 42 of these captured individuals have since died.
As the Gaza-Israel conflict nears its tenth month, a fresh report by CNN revealed on Monday that nearly 50% of the Hamas military fragments spread across northern and central Gaza have managed to rebuild some of their battle prowess. Citing Israeli military insiders, CNN claimed that these particular Hamas units in central Gaza still stand strong, chiefly because the army isn’t able to efficiently counteract them given they are suspected of harbouring several Israeli captives taken during the October 7th incursion.