Israel Urges Immediate Departure of Soldiers from Azerbaijan and Georgia Amid Escalating Iranian Threats

In a significant escalation of tensions, the Israeli army has urged its soldiers and officers currently in Georgia and Azerbaijan to leave immediately. This directive comes amid growing fears of Iranian retaliation following the recent assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas’s Political Bureau, in Tehran. The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation reported that the military is continuously assessing the security landscape and updating travel advisories for its citizens in light of these developments.

The Israeli government's heightened alert is part of broader security measures aimed at mitigating potential threats from Iran and Hezbollah. Reports indicate that Israeli officials are concerned about possible attacks on their diplomats and citizens abroad, particularly in light of statements from senior diplomats expressing worries over the safety of Israeli envoys. The Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper highlighted that many envoys feel increasingly threatened and vulnerable.

Adding to the urgency, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant has communicated with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, sharing intelligence that suggests Iran is preparing for a significant attack against Israel. Axios reported that Israeli intelligence believes an assault could occur within days, potentially targeting Hezbollah first before addressing Iranian threats. This situation is compounded by fears that the scale of any impending attack could surpass previous incidents, including the notable 'True Promise' attack executed by Tehran last April.