Israeli security experts have raised alarms regarding potential retaliatory actions from Iran and Lebanese Hezbollah in response to recent Israeli operations. Discussions on Israeli news channels indicate that these groups are seeking to deter Israel and avenge the assassinations of key figures. Amos Yadlin, former head of the Military Intelligence Division, highlighted that Iran and Hezbollah are likely to act before the upcoming summit in Qatar concerning the kidnapped individuals. This situation has escalated tensions, with both Iran and Hezbollah vowing retaliation against Israeli targets.
The Iranian response is reportedly aimed at the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas, while Hezbollah has set its sights on military leader Fouad Shukr in Beirut. Yadlin emphasized that the targets chosen by these groups are military in nature, aiming to avoid civilian casualties. Former Major General Giora Ireland noted that Israel might consider a pre-emptive strike if it possesses accurate intelligence about impending attacks, particularly in Lebanon, while the situation with Iran remains more complex due to American diplomatic pressures.
In response to the rising tensions, the United States has bolstered its military presence in the region, deploying aircraft carriers and F-22 fighter jets as a show of support for Israel. Reports also indicate the presence of guided missile-equipped submarines and warships ready to intercept any threats from Iran or its allies. The Israeli media has also reported on internal disputes within the Israeli government regarding the handling of these escalating tensions, particularly between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Galant.
