Israel is on high alert for the Iranian response

Israel is on high alert both domestically and abroad, bracing for potential retaliation from Iran following the assassination of General Mohammad Reza Zahedi in Damascus.

Iran’s potential response to the killing of General Zahedi is being closely monitored by Israel.

There are concerns that Iran might alter its tactics this time, possibly launching missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from its own territory.

As part of its readiness measures for any Iranian retaliation, Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson announced last night the reinforcement and mobilization of reservists for the air defense system.

It’s assessed in Israel that Iran may seek to inflict harm on Israel through its proxies across the Middle East.

With Iranian-backed groups present in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, there’s a possibility of attacks on Israel using cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, or drones originating from Iranian territory.

A direct assault on Israel from Iran would introduce a new dynamic and prompt a response from Israel that Iran might not anticipate.

However, it’s worth noting that Iran has thus far avoided direct attacks on Israel, preferring instead to operate through proxies to maintain plausible deniability.

Furthermore, Iran’s current strategy seems more geared towards a prolonged war of attrition to weaken Israel rather than engaging in a full-scale regional conflict.

In response to these developments, Defense Minister Yoav Galant emphasized the need for preparedness and vigilance across all fronts.

He underscored Israel’s commitment to defending its citizens and responding decisively to any threats, both militarily and on the civilian front.

The recent surge in Iranian threats following General Zahedi’s assassination coincides with the upcoming “International Jerusalem Day” and “Night of Al-Qadr.” These events hold symbolic significance for Iran, serving as occasions for protests against Zionism and Israeli control of Jerusalem, and traditionally a time when Shiite groups, like Hezbollah, are more inclined to act against their adversaries.

With heightened concerns of a potential Iranian strike, Israel has elevated its security posture, implementing heightened alerts in Israeli embassies worldwide and Jewish institutions.

Yoni Ben Menachem Senior Middle East Analyst

About Yoni Ben Menachem

Yoni Ben Menachem is a Middle East senior analyst ,a journalist and
the former CEO of the Israel Broadcasting Authority(IBA). He has
decades of experience in written and video journalism. Ben
Menachem’s path in the media world began as a producer for
Japanese television in the Middle East. After that, he held many key
positions in the media The Israeli: CEO of the Israel Broadcasting
Authority, director of “Kol Israel” Radio, reporter on West Bank and
Gaza Strip affairs, political reporter and commentator, commentator
on Middle East affairs and editor-in-chief and presenter of the
program “Middle East Magazine”. 

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