US Predicts Iran Will Attack Israel in Next 24-48 Hours, Defense Secretary Gallant: High Defense Readiness
JAKARTA - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told his counterparts from the G7 countries that Washington believes an Iranian attack on Israel could begin in the next 24 to 48 hours, Axios reported, citing sources briefed on the talks.
According to the report, Blinken spoke with his counterparts amid US efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region, preventing an all-out war, as quoted by The Times of Israel on August 5.
Because the US believes an Iranian attack is inevitable after the assassination of top Hezbollah and Hamas officials last week, Blinken told officials on the call that pressing Tehran to limit its attacks is the best way to avoid a regional war.
He said the US does not know the exact timing of the planned Iranian attack, the report added, but believes it could begin as early as Monday.
Separately, Israel is bracing for a serious escalation following the assassination of Hamas Political Bureau Chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Iran last Wednesday.
It came a day after an Israeli strike on Beirut killed Fuad Shukr, a top military commander for the Lebanon-based Hezbollah group.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was due to hold special security discussions Sunday evening, a defense official said, following threats of retaliation from Iran and Hezbollah.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, meanwhile, said he was reviewing a plan “that would exact a price if Iran and its proxies attempt to attack Israel.”
"Our readiness in terms of defense is high, both on land and in the air and we are ready for a quick response or attack. If they dare to attack us, they will pay a heavy price," Defense Minister Gallant said in a statement, as reported by Reuters.
It is known that Hamas and Iran have both accused Israel of killing Haniyeh and have vowed to retaliate. Israel itself has so far neither claimed nor denied responsibility for the death.
On the other hand, Hezbollah has also vowed revenge after the killing of Shukr.