For over a week, Israel has been on high alert, bracing for what many believe to be an imminent and severe attack from Iran that former President Donald Trump believes would not be happening if he was still in the White House. The anxiety Israelis are feeling stems from the recent elimination of an Iranian general in Damascus, setting off a chain of aggressive responses from Tehran. Following the general's killing, Iran took 13 days to meticulously plan and execute an attack on Israel, launching a formidable arsenal of hundreds of drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. Thanks to the robust defense systems and the concerted efforts of Israel and its coalition of allies, nearly all these threats were successfully intercepted.
Preparing for the Worst: Israel and Allies Gear Up
Now, Israel, alongside its steadfast allies, is gearing up for a potentially more devastating scenario. Intelligence suggests that Iran, in conjunction with Hezbollah, might launch simultaneous strikes, targeting strategic and sensitive locations in Israel. This heightened alert follows the recent eliminations of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut, actions that have undoubtedly escalated tensions in the region.
The Looming Threat: Iran and Hezbollah's Preparations
Both Israeli and American intelligence have reported signs of imminent aggression. Movements and preparations of missile positions and anti-tank missiles by Iranian forces eerily mirror the activities observed before their April 14th attack. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have also confirmed similar mobilizations by Hezbollah in Lebanon, including the evacuation of their headquarters in the Da’aheh neighborhood of Beirut. A visit by Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, to a mosque of symbolic significance further intensifies the speculation of an impending fateful decision by Iran.
Trump’s Fiery Critique and Dire Warnings
President Trump was invited for a conversation with X (formerly Twitter) CEO Elon Musk. Despite the rocky start, Trump wasted no time diving into his critique of the Biden-Harris administration's handling of Iran and their proxies as it relates to Israel. With characteristic bluntness, Trump declared, "Kamala is disastrous for both Israelis and Palestinians. Biden pulled off the impossible: both sides despise him."
Donald Trump in conversation with @elonmusk speaks about the looming Iranian attack on Israel:
— Aviva Klompas (@AvivaKlompas) August 13, 2024
"Look at Israel. They're all waiting for an attack. Iran would not be attacking...they knew not to mess around when I was president. Iran was broke because I told China, if you buy oil…
Turning his attention to the looming threat Israel faces, Trump expressed deep concern. "Israel is bracing for an imminent attack tonight or tomorrow, with hundreds, maybe thousands of rockets aimed at them. The Iron Dome can be overwhelmed if enough missiles are fired; they might find themselves unable to defend their skies," he warned, painting a dire picture of the potential onslaught. Trump didn't hold back in his critique of the current administration's lack of leadership, arguing that it has eroded international respect for the US, particularly from adversaries like Iran. He went on to deliver a scathing rebuke to voters: "If you're a Jewish person or staunchly pro-Israel and you vote for Kamala, she's worse than Biden—and Biden was terrible. Voting for her? You ought to have your head examined." His emphatic statements underscored his belief in the critical need for strong leadership to navigate these turbulent times.
.@realDonaldTrump: “Look at what's happening, everyone is just waiting for Iran 🇮🇷 to attack Israel 🇮🇱… When I was president, Iran knew not to mess around. Iran was broke, they had no money for terror. Israel never would've been attacked.”
— Dr. Eli David (@DrEliDavid) August 13, 2024
pic.twitter.com/Z3huLz1dAf
Israel's Defense and Offensive Posture
In Israel, preparations are in full swing, with defensive and offensive measures at peak readiness. The IDF is poised to respond swiftly and decisively, possibly even preemptively, to any confirmed imminent threat. The Air Force has readied dozens of fighter jets for various missions, from preemptive strikes to interception and retaliation. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is in close and continuous communication with his American counterpart, Lloyd Austin, ensuring coordinated efforts.
Diplomatic Maneuvering and International Pressure
Despite the palpable tension, the political and security cabinet in Israel has not yet convened, nor has the Prime Minister called for an urgent security consultation with the Defense Minister. Nevertheless, the international community, led by the United States, is exerting immense pressure on Iran to de-escalate the situation. On Monday evening, a joint statement from President Joe Biden and European leaders urged Iran to refrain from retaliatory actions, emphasizing the catastrophic consequences such an attack would have on regional stability.
🇮🇷🇮🇱 IRAN ATTACK ON ISRAEL COULD SEE BEN-GURION AIRPORT MOVED TO EILAT
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) August 13, 2024
In every attack on Israel, whether by Iran or Hezbollah, Ben-Gurion Airport is considered a potential target.
It is the main gateway to Israel through which nearly 60,000 people pass daily—even now when… pic.twitter.com/yFoKVESFbl
The Global Response
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have personally contacted Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, imploring him to avoid further military escalation. Scholz highlighted the peril of continuing the cycle of violence, warning of the incalculable dangers it poses to regional populations. Similarly, Starmer cautioned against any miscalculations that could lead to disastrous outcomes.
The Message from Israel
Israel has made it unequivocally clear that any joint attack by Iran and Hezbollah on civilian targets will be met with a disproportionate and forceful response. Such actions would not only derail ongoing ceasefire efforts but also jeopardize the release of hostages.
Upcoming Diplomatic Efforts
The United States is particularly concerned that an attack could undermine the upcoming summit, where crucial agreements, including the release of hostages, are expected to be finalized. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's planned visit to the region might be postponed if an attack occurs. Meanwhile, intense diplomatic efforts continue, with Biden's envoy Brett McGurk in Cairo working to resolve critical issues such as the Philadelphi Corridor and the Rafah border crossing.
In this high-stakes environment, Israel stands resolute and prepared, maintaining vigilance and readiness to protect its sovereignty and people from any potential aggression. The world watches closely, hoping that diplomatic efforts will prevail over the looming threat of war.
