Iran-Hezbollah Attacks May Happen, Israeli Defense Minister: We Have Strengthened Defense

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. (Source: Ministry of Defense)

JAKARTA - Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Israel had strengthened its defenses in recent days, following possible anticipated Iranian and Hezbollah attacks, preparing potential attacks in response, or precautions if necessary.

"We are at a time of vigilance and readiness, threats from Tehran and Beirut may occur and it is important to explain to everyone that preparedness, preparedness and vigilance are not the same as fear and panic," Defense Minister Gallant said at a meeting of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. August 12.

"In recent days, we have devoted our time to strengthening defense and creating offensive options in response, and also as an initiative if necessary, anywhere and within any region, with the main goal being to protect Israeli citizens," he added.

During the meeting, Defense Minister Gallant said he supported an agreement on hostages with Hamas, although it was carried out in several stages.

"It is our duty as decision makers to seek to realize operational achievements, and... create conditions to repatriate the hostages. The creation of these conditions is carried out through military pressure, and it can result in an agreement to (release) the hostages, although it will be carried out in more than one stage," he said.

It is known that the escalation in the Middle East region has risen, as Iran and its proxies are expected to carry out an attack, following the killing of Hamas Political Bureau Chief Ismail Haniyeh and senior commander Hezbollah Fuad Shukr last month.

Haniyeh was killed in Iran's capital, Tehran, on July 31, in an attack that sparked a threat of revenge by Iran against Israel. Iran blames Israel for the killings. Israel has not yet claimed responsibility.

Meanwhile, the assassination of the senior military commander of the Iran-backed Lebanese Hezbollah group, Fuad Shukr, by Israel in an attack in Beirut, has sparked concern, the conflict in Gaza, Palestine, turned into a broader Middle East war.