Israel is preparing for a dire situation that U.S. officials fear could unfold within hours: the potential for a direct attack on Israeli territory by Iran. This looming threat comes in retaliation for an attack nearly two weeks ago, which resulted in the deaths of seven Iranian military officers. Iran has pledged retaliation for the loss of its commanders, who were targeted in a strike on the Iranian embassy in Syria’s capital on April 1.
According to two U.S. officials speaking to CBS News, a significant Iranian attack on Israel is anticipated as early as Friday. This attack could involve over 100 drones and numerous missiles targeting military installations within the nation.
The officials noted that it would pose a significant challenge for Israeli defense forces to fend off an attack of this scale. While there is a chance that Iran might choose a smaller-scale attack to prevent a major escalation, the expectation is that their response is imminent.
Tehran has not publicly indicated how or when it will retaliate, leaving uncertainty about the extent of Iran’s potential actions. Concerns arise that if Iran chooses to directly attack Israel, it could escalate Israel’s ongoing conflict with Iranian ally Hamas into a broader regional confrontation.
“Whoever harms us, we will harm them,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Thursday as he visited troops at an Israel Defense Forces airbase. “We are prepared… both defensively and offensively.”
U.S. State Department issues warning to Americans in Israel
With an Iranian retaliation looming, the U.S. State Department issued a warning on Thursday advising Americans in Israel to avoid traveling outside major cities. These urban areas benefit from better protection against incoming rocket attacks due to the presence of Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system. The updated guidance also cautioned that travel by U.S. government employees in Israel could face additional restrictions with minimal notice as tensions escalate in the volatile region.