Blinken warns of possible Iran-Hezbollah attack on Israel within 48 hours
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Amid Iran's vow of retaliation for the killing of its guest and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, reportedly by Israel, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has issued a warning to the G7 allies about a possible combined attack on Israel by Iran and Hezbollah within the next 24 to 48 hours.
The warning follows the assassination of senior Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, an act that has prompted Tehran and its allies to vow retaliation. In a recent conference call with G7 counterparts, Blinken conveyed that while the exact timing and nature of the potential attacks are unclear, there is a significant risk that both Iran and Hezbollah are preparing to strike Israel soon.
The US is reportedly seeking to de-escalate the situation by encouraging restraint from both sides and has called on other nations to apply diplomatic pressure to avoid further conflict.
The G7, comprising Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom, has expressed serious concern about the escalating tensions in the region. The group has urged all parties to exercise restraint, emphasizing that further escalation would be detrimental to all involved.
In response to the heightened threat, the US has bolstered its military presence in the Middle East, describing the additional forces as defensive. General Michael Kurilla, the head of US Central Command, is expected to arrive in Israel soon to coordinate with the Israeli military and prepare for potential retaliatory actions.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, now approaching its 10-month mark, has seen intermittent hostilities involving Iran and Hezbollah, among other Tehran-aligned groups. Despite the current high-risk environment, there is widespread belief that neither side is fully prepared for an all-out war. However, the increasing tension has heightened the risk of a large-scale conflict.
In light of the volatile situation, several countries have advised their citizens to leave Lebanon immediately. Japan, Saudi Arabia, and France have joined the US and various European governments in urging their nationals to evacuate while commercial flights are still available.
The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs has specifically urged against travel to Lebanon and recommended that those already in the country depart as soon as possible to avoid potential danger.