US and its allies mobilize to protect Israel as Netanyahu warns of ongoing conflict with Iran on multiple fronts
TEL AVIV, Israel—Israel is currently engaged in a “multi-front war” with Iran and its proxies, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a Cabinet meeting on Sunday. The United States and its allies are preparing to defend Israel against an anticipated counterstrike and prevent a wider regional conflict.
Tensions have escalated after nearly 10 months of conflict in Gaza, along with the recent killings of a senior Hezbollah commander in Lebanon and Hamas’ top political leader in Iran. Iran and its allies have accused Israel of these actions and have threatened to retaliate. Hamas has begun discussions to select a new leader following these events.
Netanyahu emphasized that Israel is prepared for any situation that may arise. Jordan’s foreign minister is on a rare visit to Iran as part of diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has deployed significant assets to the region.
“We are taking all necessary measures to prevent this situation from escalating,” stated White House deputy national security adviser Jon Finer in an interview with ABC.
In Israel, some citizens have taken precautions by preparing bomb shelters due to memories of Iran’s direct military assault in April, which followed a suspected Israeli strike resulting in the deaths of two Iranian generals. Israel reported intercepting most of the drones, ballistic, and cruise missiles during that incident.
On Sunday, a stabbing attack near Tel Aviv claimed the lives of a woman in her 70s and an 80-year-old man, while two others were injured. The perpetrator, identified as a Palestinian terrorist, was neutralized, according to Israel’s Magen David Adom rescue service.
Related Stories
In Gaza, the Health Ministry reported that at least 25 people died and 19 were injured when Israel targeted two schools in Gaza City. Among the casualties was a child, as shown in AP video footage. Israel’s military claimed to have struck Hamas command centers, accusing Palestinian terrorists of using civilian areas for shelter.
Prior to this, Israeli attacks resulted in the deaths of at least 18 individuals. One strike hit a tent camp at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, killing four people within. The Health Ministry confirmed that the Israeli military targeted a Palestinian terrorist in this attack, with secondary explosions suggesting the presence of weaponry in the area.
Deir al-Balah’s hospital, the primary medical facility serving central Gaza, was hit in a separate strike, causing fatalities. Another attack on a home near Deir al-Balah resulted in the deaths of a girl and her parents.
Additional strikes led to the deaths of at least eight individuals in northern Gaza, including three children, their parents, and grandmother. Other casualties occurred in a strike on a vehicle in Gaza City.
Palestinian terrorists fired projectiles towards Israeli communities near the border, though no casualties or damage were reported. As a precaution, the military instructed residents in certain areas of Khan Younis to evacuate.
Over the weekend, an Israeli strike on a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City claimed the lives of at least 16 people, with Israel citing the targeting of a Hamas command center.
The conflict in Gaza began with Hamas’ attack into Israel on October 7, resulting in numerous casualties and hostages. Israel’s response has led to a significant number of Palestinian casualties, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and terrorists.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah and Israel have exchanged fire along the Lebanon border, with tensions escalating in recent months. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported critical injuries following an Israeli strike on a house in Beit Lef, as part of ongoing clashes.
Hezbollah claims to be supporting Hamas, a fellow Iran-backed ally, amidst the current conflict. Several countries, including the United States, are advising their citizens to leave Lebanon following the recent events.
