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Israel’s military has been put on high alert amid warnings that Iran could be preparing for a huge attack with Tehran thought to be preparing to strike beore Donald Trump takes office
Israel’s military is on high alert amid warnings that Iran may be gearing up for a major attack that could spark a large-scale war.
In the latest flare-up between the two, Tehran is believed to be preparing to hit Israeli targets before Donald Trump becomes US President on January 20. Iran is feared to be deciding whether to target infrastructure and energy supplies or carry out a cyber-attack.
It first targeted Israel last year with 330 drones and missiles after Israel hit its consul building in Damascus, killing three generals and four officers. That prompted an Israeli missile response, leading to direct exchanges.
Iran vowed to launch revenge strikes after an attack in October hit missile, drone and air defence targets. Pressure was stepped up by recent Israeli strikes on Houthi rebel targets in Yemen after they targeted Israel.
Iran’s regime has been hit by political infighting and power struggles while its disastrous economy has left 25% of the population in poverty. Traditionally, its regime has used the threat of war to deflect from domestic problems.
A security source told the Mirror: “Israel has been waiting for a response from Iran for some time and Tehran is under increasing pressure. Domestically, the regime is under scrutiny as it has major internal problems. It also appears weak since losing much of its proxy power in Syria when ally Bashar al-Assad was unseated.”
It is believed Iran may use its air, sea and ground exercises as cover for an attack – an escalation that could spark all-out
war. According to sources, Tehran may consider hitting Israel before Trump’s inauguration. Tehran may hope that outgoing President Joe Biden will not respond, for fear of damaging his legacy.
Tehran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi warned recently: “We are fully prepared for the possibility of further Israeli attacks. I hope Israel will refrain from taking such reckless action, as it could lead to a large-scale war.”
Meanwhile, Israeli troops have launched a wave of West Bank raids, killing at least three Palestinians it said were militants after a deadly shooting attack the day before. Two died in an airstrike after firing at troops in the northern West Bank. Another was killed in close-quarters combat in the village of Talluza. More than 20 suspected militants were arrested in the territory.
Yesterday, Labour MP John McDonnell suggested that Israeli ambassador Tzipi Hotovely should be expelled from the UK amid efforts to end alleged war crimes in Gaza. He said she refuses to recognise the Palestinian state and defies all the UN resolutions, as he called for Israel’s economic and military isolation. The former shadow chancellor said: “This government could take a leading role in that isolation of Israel to bring some form of negotiated settlement.”