Axios news site revealed that Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant spoke by phone on Sunday with his American counterpart Lloyd Austin and informed him that Iranian military preparations indicate that Tehran is gearing up for a large-scale attack on Israel, according to a source familiar with the call. Previously, Axios reported, citing sources, that Israeli intelligence believes Iran has decided to directly attack Israel before the scheduled mediator meeting regarding a ceasefire on August 15.
In this context, the Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported that security agencies estimate that Iran will deliver a blow harsher than the attack in April. The authority quoted the Israeli Defense Minister earlier on Sunday as saying, "Enemies from Iran and Hezbollah threaten to harm us in ways they have not done in the past. I hope Iran and Hezbollah do not escalate the war."
An Israeli military spokesperson confirmed on Sunday evening that instructions for the home front in Israel have not changed in light of reports regarding an Iranian response in the coming days, while military intelligence and the Israeli Air Force announced the elevation of their alert status to the maximum level.
Meanwhile, the Hebrew site Walla reported that the Iranian president wants to avoid a harsh response while the Revolutionary Guard desires a wide-ranging attack. Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani confirmed on Sunday that a response to Israel is legitimate and will be decisive. He emphasized Iran’s "self-right" to "legitimate defense," adding that the response "will be costly," but it "will be for the benefit of security and stability, and therefore for all countries in the region."
Tensions in the Middle East have escalated following the assassination of Hamas Political Bureau Chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and the prominent Hezbollah leader Fouad Shukr in the southern suburbs of Beirut last week.
