Israel braced for a potential Iranian attack on Friday, following warnings of retaliation for the killing of a senior Iranian officer in Damascus last week. The incident has further strained the already volatile situation in the region, where the war in Gaza grinds on.
Several countries, including India, France, and Russia, have issued travel advisories for the region. While the Israeli military hasn’t issued new instructions for civilians, it remains on high alert and prepared for various scenarios.
Israel maintains silence regarding the April 1st airstrike targeting the Iranian embassy in Damascus. The attack, which killed Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi and six others, has been widely attributed to them. Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, vowed punishment for what he considers an assault on Iranian soil.
Experts believe Iran is unlikely to escalate to a full-blown military confrontation but feels compelled to respond. Sources close to Tehran and the U.S. suggest Iran desires to avoid a major escalation. However, the potential for a misstep leading to a wider conflict remains a concern.
“We are ready to defend ourselves,” declared Defence Minister Yoav Gallant after a meeting with the head of U.S. Central Command. “We will know how to respond, working closely with our partners.”
The possibility of a direct Iranian attack, rather than action by a proxy like Hezbollah, is considered a real threat due to Iran’s view of the embassy strike. This raises concerns about a potential Israeli response against Iran itself, which would be an unprecedented escalation.
Israel has bolstered its air defenses to counter potential Iranian missile attacks. Recent weeks have seen the interception of thousands of rockets fired by Hamas and Hezbollah. Additionally, the military has called back reservists and redeployed troops in anticipation of a possible escalation along the northern border with Lebanon.
While no official security instructions exist within Israel, some parents reported their children being advised to take schoolwork home in preparation for potential disruptions during the Passover holidays.
