Iran could launch a direct and unprecedented attack on Israel’s soil according to US intel.  A bombardment with drones and missiles could come within the next 48 hours, they said.

Western officials said that intelligence showed that Iran would attack “a day after EID”, adding the next few hours as crucial for the safety of Israel and its citizens. The US is preparing defences and has moved additional military assets to the region while intensifying diplomatic efforts to rein in hostilities, people said.

Iran’s recent threats

Iran informed about the April 1 attack on its embassy in the Syrian capital of Damascus by the Israeli forces. After the attack, Iran’s foreign minister informed they summoned the Swiss diplomat representing US interests to talk about the attack. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that Israel will be “punished” for their actions.

Both Tehran and Damascus held the Israeli forces responsible for this attack and vowed revenge.

A report suggested that the attack would take place a day after Eid and thus countries have started taking pre-emptive measures for safety.

Unverified posts on social media in recent days have shown Iranian threats of simulated attacks on targets in Israel including the nuclear facility in Dimona and the small airport in Haifa, which only operates flights to Cyprus.

The US president, Joe Biden predicted that the Iranian attacks were coming and once again issued a stern public warning, saying that his message was simply: “Don’t.” “We are devoted to the defence of Israel,” he said. “We will support Israel we will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed.”

“We’re watching this very, very closely,” said John Kirby, the National Security Council spokesman.

The US observed Iran moving military assets internally, including drones and cruise missiles, signalling its preparedness to attack Israeli targets. One of the people said that the US observed as many as 100 cruise missiles readied by Iran.

Israel gears up arms

IDF spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari addressed the Iranian threat in the press briefing on April 12, 2024.

“It should be said – we have been at war for the past half year and have dealt with all types and elements of the existing threat. Our defenses are prepared and know how to face each threat individually. Alongside the defenses, we are also prepared to go on the offensive – we are prepared to strike with a variety of capabilities and will know how to act to protect the citizens of the State of Israel,” said the spokesperson.

The spokesperson slammed Iran saying, “Iran funds, trains, and arms terror proxies across the Middle East and beyond.

Iran-backed Hamas started this war on October 7th; Iran-backed Hezbollah expanded this war on October 8th; and since then, Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria, and Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, have expanded this into a global conflict.

Iran is the world’s biggest state sponsor of terror. Its network of terror doesn’t just threaten the people of Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria; the regime in Iran fuels the war in Ukraine and beyond.

Iran will bear the consequences for choosing to escalate the situation any further.

Israel is on high alert. We have increased our readiness to protect Israel from further Iranian aggression. We are also prepared to respond.

The Israel Defense Forces is prepared for all scenarios and will take the necessary steps — together with our allies — to protect the people of Israel.”

Iran’s threat: Chief of General Staff’s assessment

The chief of general staff, LTG Herzi Halevi, completed a comprehensive assessment to check the readiness of the armed forces. The Chief of the General Staff summarized:

“The IDF is very strongly prepared, both offensively and defensively, against any threat. We are at war and have been in a state of high readiness for around half a year. The IDF continues to monitor closely what is happening in Iran and different arenas, constantly preparing to deal with existing and potential threats in coordination with the United States Armed Forces. Our forces are prepared and ready at all times and for any scenario.”

A similar assessment was held with the Commander of the United States Central Command, General Michael Erik Kurilla.

World’s reaction to Iran’s threats

France on Friday also warned its citizens to “imperatively refrain from travel in the coming days to Iran, Lebanon, Israel and the Palestinian territories,” French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne’s entourage told AFP.

The US Navy and armed forces are on high alert and have stationed its Middle East branch to look at the matter closely.