Israel at highest alert amid potential Iranian strike
The Israeli military is on "highest alert" due to the possibility of an attack by Iran or Hezbollah, army spokesperson Daniel Hagari said on Monday evening. According to Israeli and US authorities, a "significant" attack could occur in the coming days.
"We are following what is going on specifically with Iran, with all our capabilities. We are also not following alone. We are following with the United States and other partners," said Hagari. The Israeli army spokesperson added that the military is prepared for defence and attack.
He also assured that the public would be informed of any threats as early as possible. However, this would be done in a way that "adjusts the guidelines for the public without giving our enemies an intelligence or operational advantage."
Will Iran strike Israel?
On Sunday evening, Israeli media reported that, according to intelligence, a direct attack by Iran on Israel could be expected in the coming days. This is a change from previous assessments, which suggested that Iran had abandoned a decisive retaliatory strike due to international pressure and that an attack on Israel would only be carried out by Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Both Iran and its ally, Lebanese Hezbollah, have announced revenge for the deaths of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders at the end of July in attacks attributed to Israel.
Washington pushes for a ceasefire
"We share the same concerns and expectations that our Israeli counterparts have with respect to potential timing here. Could be this week," said National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby on Monday. He added that President Joe Biden had discussed the situation in the Middle East with the leaders of Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Italy.
"[We] express our support for efforts to de-escalate tensions and reach a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza. All parties must live up to their responsibilities," Joe Biden wrote on the X platform after a series of talks.
"We expressed our support for the defence of Israel against Iranian aggression and against attacks by Iran-backed terrorist groups. We called on Iran to stand down its ongoing threats of a military attack against Israel," declared the leaders of the US and four European countries in a joint statement.
Washington sees a ceasefire not only as a chance to end the war in the Gaza Strip, which has already claimed the lives of nearly 40,000 Palestinians, but also to more broadly calm tensions in the Middle East.
Prime Minister Starmer spoke with the President of Iran
On Monday evening, Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian, urging Tehran to refrain from retaliatory attacks on Israel, as there is a severe risk of miscalculation, and war is not in anyone's interest.
The Prime Minister said he was deeply concerned about the situation in the region and called on all sides to de-escalate and avoid further confrontation. "There was a serious risk of miscalculation, and now was the time for calm and careful consideration," said Starmer. "He called on Iran to refrain from attacking Israel, adding that war was not in anyone's interests," said a statement issued by Downing Street after the 30-minute phone conversation between the two leaders.
"The two leaders agreed that constructive dialogue between the UK and Iran was in both countries’ interests. Starmer said this could only happen if Iran stopped "destabilising actions, including threats against individuals in the UK," and did not provide further aid to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine," claims AP News.
