Tel Aviv [Israel], August 5: Israel is believed to consider a preemptive strike if it detects Iran preparing a retaliation after the assassinations.
Israeli media reported on August 4 that during a security cabinet meeting that evening, the country's leaders considered a preemptive strike plan to stop Iran and its proxy groups. Accordingly, the attack could take place in Lebanon or anywhere else necessary.
Israel is preparing for a large-scale attack by Iran and forces such as Hezbollah, Hamas... after two recent assassinations that killed Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr.
In a press conference on August 4, Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said that he was monitoring opponents on all fronts and would act immediately if he received instructions from political leaders, according to The Times of Israel .
During the cabinet meeting, the option of a pre-emptive strike on Iran as a deterrent was discussed, but security officials stressed that such a move would only be approved if Israel had solid intelligence that an Iranian attack was imminent.
Even if Israeli and US intelligence agree, Tel Aviv can still choose to avoid escalation by not launching a preemptive strike.
In April, Israel braced for an Iranian retaliation, uncertain of the scope of the attack. About 300 missiles and drones were launched, with Israel and its allies claiming to have intercepted 99 percent of the targets.
This time, Israel is believed to have anticipated the scale and has the capacity to defend itself. On August 4, the US said it was preparing for all possibilities related to a potential response from Iran. According to the White House announcement, President Joe Biden will convene a national security meeting in the situation room on August 5 to discuss developments in the Middle East, then talk with King Abdullah of Jordan.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
