President Biden is scheduled to convene with his national security team in the Situation Room on Monday to discuss an anticipated Iranian attack against Israel. Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee for president, will also be present, according to the White House.
This high-level meeting follows a conversation on Sunday between Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, in which Austin reaffirmed U.S. support for Israel amidst escalating tensions with Iran and its proxies. The discussion highlighted U.S. moves to bolster regional security and de-escalate potential conflicts, as reported by the Pentagon.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Sunday that Israel is in a “multi-front war” with Iran and its proxies. This declaration comes after the recent killing of a senior Hezbollah commander in Lebanon and Hamas’ top political leader in Iran, which has heightened regional tensions and provoked threats of retaliation from Iran and its allies.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken has reportedly warned that Iran and Hezbollah could launch an attack on Israel as early as Monday, according to Axios. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) leader Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla will arrive in Israel on Monday to coordinate defensive preparations.
In Israel, preparations for potential attacks include readying bomb shelters, a reminder of Iran’s unprecedented direct military assault in April, which Israel successfully intercepted. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, IDF Spokesperson, emphasized Israel’s ongoing efforts to combat Iranian terrorism, noting past thwarted attacks involving smuggled explosives.
The conflict in Gaza, triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7 that resulted in 1,200 Israeli deaths and 250 hostages, has led to significant casualties and destruction in Gaza. Nearly 40,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run Health Ministry. The conflict has caused widespread displacement among Gaza’s 2.3 million residents.
Simultaneously, exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israel along the Lebanon border have intensified, with Hezbollah aiming to alleviate pressure on Hamas, an ally also backed by Iran.
