Middle East Conflict: Israel considers pre-emptive attack as fears of Iranian retaliation grow

Israel ruminates over the need to strike Iran to deter any attacks (from Iran and Hezbollah) on its territory this week. US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken has expressed his trepidation over the heightening tensions in the Middle East as he states that an Iranian attack on Israel may be imminent. He has warned his counterparts in the G7 countries of the same. The conflict is expected to escalate further this week.

Israel strategizes Pre-emptive attack against Iran

Israeli PM, Benjamin Netanyahu is reported to have held a meeting with the Israel Defence Forces or IDF, the Israeli Intelligence Agency- Mossad, their Internal Security Agency- Shet Bin, and their Defence Ministry to formulate plans for a possible pre-emptive attack on the Iranian soil. The meeting, held on Sunday, featured a discussion on the need for “airtight” evidence in order to advance with a strike on Iran.

This unrest comes as an aftermath of Israel’s assassination of Hezbollah Commander, Fuad Shukr on July 30, when it struck a populated residential region in Beirut. This was followed by Israel’s suspected assassination of Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh on July 31. 

“We must be prepared for anything, including a swift transition to offense”, said Yoav Gallant, Defense Minister of Israel. Gallant visited the Command Center of IAF (Israeli Air Force) and met with top officials to ensure that their forces were ready for any event. 

Israel prepares for a potential war

The towns on the Northern border of Israel have been issued warnings and undergone evacuations as large as 80,000 people. Preparations are being made to house the evacuees in schools in Jerusalem and tents in the South. The outbreak of war could cause problems for the Israeli populace, with uncertain power and water supply. Heavy rocket fire is also possible, with warheads containing over 100 pounds of explosives. 

It is also reported that the Shin Bet has made preparations for an underground bunker for PM Netanyahu and other top officials in case of the outbreak of a war. Built 20 years ago, the bunker has been made fully operational to ensure safety of the Israeli leaders.

President Biden’s frantic attempts to avert a full-scale war in the Middle-East

Though U.S previously deployed troops to Israel as a contingency for a potential war or attack on Israelis, it has been frantically trying to ensure that the situation does not worsen. Antony Blinken, along with holding talks with his G7 counterparts, had a conversation with the Prime Minister of Iraq and leaders of Egypt and Qatar. President Biden has also been engaged in industrious attempts at diplomacy to diffuse the situation and prevent a full-scale war between Iran and Israel, which would then, inevitably involve other major powers. 

Biden has held a talk with Jordanian King- Abdullah II, who previously helped U.S in intercepting Iranian missiles fired at Israel. With diplomatic ties to Israel and a significant Palestinian population, Jordan has been insisting on a Ceasefire. Other countries have also been holding talks about the recent developments in the Middle East as the French President, Macaron made a call to the U.A.E President, Sheikh Zayed. Moreover, Blinken is said to have made a new pitch for a Ceasefire in Gaza and the return of hostages.