In the wake of simmering tensions in the Middle East, the White House has issued a stern warning regarding the looming threat of an Iranian attack on Israel.
John Kirby, the White House national security spokesperson, told reporters on April 12, 2024, that the prospect of an Iranian attack on Israel is “still a viable threat,” after concerted efforts by Israel and the U.S to deter it.
“We are in constant communication with our Israeli counterparts about making sure that they can defend themselves against those kinds of attacks,” Kirby said.
He confirmed that the head of U.S Central Command, General Erik Kurilla, is in Israel talking with Israeli defence officials, about how Israel can be best prepared.
It is also likely Kurilla is there to influence and moderate any Israeli response.
The Biden administration is very concerned about the possibility of out-of-control escalation.
Kirby did not delve into details about US’ communication with Israel but said it included emphasis on America’s “iron clad” commitment to Israel’s security.
“It has also been made clear that we will do what we have to do to protect our own people and our own facilities as appropriate. I think I just need to leave it at that.”
John Kirby
Iran has threatened reprisals against Israel over a strike on the Iranian consulate in Syria on April 1, 2024, in which seven members of the Revolutionary Guards including two Generals were killed, sparking fears that an already volatile climate in the Middle East could quickly spiral further.
While analysts had initially speculated that Iran might not rush into a response, concern has grown in the last two days over the potential for direct conflict between Iran and Israel after years of proxy conflict between the two enemies.
US official told a publication that American intelligence reports now indicated an Iranian retaliatory strike “possibly on Israeli soil” as opposed to against Israeli interests elsewhere, adding that the strike could come within 24 to 48 hours.
The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, announced that Israel would conduct a security assessment of reported Iranian preparations for an attack.
The Israeli military said that it was fully prepared for any strike.
At a press conference, IDF Spokesperson, Daniel Hagari said that Israel was “on alert and highly prepared for various scenarios, and we are constantly assessing the situation.”
He added, “We are ready for attack and defence using a variety of capabilities that the IDF has, and also ready with our strategic partners.”
According to reports in the Israeli media, the IDF believes that Iran or one of its proxies are most likely to attempt to strike a military target rather than civilian centres, although some sites such as the Kirya, Israel’s defence headquarters in Tel Aviv, are located in city centres next to shopping malls, offices and restaurants.
Warning Against Travel To Israel
Amid Iran’s threats to retaliate against a suspected Israeli airstrike on its embassy, the U.S restricted travel for American diplomats and their families in Israel, barring employees there from travelling to large parts of the country “until further notice” out of an “abundance of caution.”
Russia issued similar travel advisories for its staff and citizens in the region.
India advised its citizens against travelling to Iran and Israel until further notice in view of the “prevailing situation in the region.”
France, the UK, Canada and Australia also issued notices warning against travel to Israel.
France added “Iran, Lebanon, Israel and the Palestinian territories” to the places citizens should “imperatively refrain” from travelling to.
French Foreign Minister, Stephane Sejourne, at a crisis meeting also asked that family members of French diplomats in Iran be evacuated, and no French civil servants be sent on missions to the listed countries.
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