US Prepares for Potential Attacks on Israel Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions

The US is bracing for possible significant attacks on Israel this week, stated White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby. President Joe Biden has engaged with European leaders to de-escalate Middle East tensions and prevent Iranian aggression. The situation follows recent attacks and retaliatory strikes between Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah.

The United States must be ready for potential 'significant' attacks on Israel that could occur this week, White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby stated on Monday amid ongoing Middle Eastern tensions. This follows President Joe Biden's discussions with leaders from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy as the US seeks to de-escalate the situation.

'We share the same concerns and expectations as our Israeli counterparts regarding the potential timing, which could be this week,' Kirby informed reporters, according to The Times of Israel. 'We have to be prepared for what could be a significant set of attacks,' he added.

The call, Kirby mentioned, aimed 'largely for all leaders to restate their previous affirmations of Israel's defense' and 'send a strong message to prevent any escalation of violence or attacks by Iran and its proxies.' On Monday, President Biden and leaders of the UK, France, Germany, and Italy jointly urged Iran to halt its military threats against Israel, emphasizing the potential regional security repercussions.

The joint statement from the White House read, 'We called on Iran to cease its military threats against Israel and discussed the serious consequences for regional security should such an attack occur.' It highlighted the necessity for aid's delivery and distribution, further supporting de-escalation efforts and a ceasefire in Gaza. 'We fully support ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza,' the statement continued, urging renewed talks and timely conclusions to these agreements.

Following the alleged killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last month, resulting in Iran's promised 'punishment,' Israel anticipates strong retaliation. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for Haniyeh's death but had previously threatened senior Hamas figures following the October 7 attacks.

Tensions in West Asia rose after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced Haniyeh's death in a Tehran attack on July 31. The IRGC reported that Haniyeh and his bodyguard were killed when a projectile hit their residence early Wednesday morning.

The IDF also reported the death of top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon on July 30. This strike was a response to a rocket attack on Golan Heights, which resulted in 12 child fatalities. Shukr, a senior Hezbollah military leader and head of its strategic division, had been managing Hezbollah's attacks on Israel since the October 7 assault by Hamas.

(With inputs from agencies.)