Iranian threat: Israel beefs up defence; cancels troops' leaves

Jerusalem: Israel is beefing up its defences and equipping it to defend in the event of an ambush by Iran. The Iranian threat looms large after Tehran vowed to hit Israel back after its military personnel in Syria was killed in an Israel attack, First Post reports.

Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has cancelled leaves for all of its combat troops. IDF said that in accordance with the situational assessment, it has been decided that leave will be temporarily passed for all IDF combat units. It added that IDF is at war and forces deployment is under continuous assessment according to requirements.

Earlier this week, Israel struck the Iranian Embassy in Damascus, killing seven Iranian military advisers. Those who died include three senior commanders, too, prompting Israel to take a vow to strike back.

The Israeli attack resulted in major leaders of Iran, from President Ebrahim Raisi to its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, taking offence in the attack. It is dreaded that the situation might exasperate regional tensions.

Israel beefed up its air defence system on Wednesday and called reservists in view of the Iranian threat. Iran’s proxy Hezbollah has launched several rockets from Lebanon towards Israel since the Israeli attack on Damascus. But there is no indication that the rocket launches were more than daily cross-border firing.

Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Jerusalem is increasing defence preparations in view of threats from entire West Asia. Earlier, he had said that they need to be prepared for every scenario and every threat against “near enemies than distant enemies”.

Meanwhile, the US Central Investigation Agency (CIA) warned Israel of an attack by Iran in the next 48 hours. Also, Lt Gen Alexus Grynkewich, the senior US Air Force commander for the Middle East, voiced concerns that Iran might attack US troops deployed in the region.