At a critical time, General Michael Kurilla, the top U.S. commander in the Middle East, arrived in the region on Saturday as the United States and Israel brace for a potential Iranian retaliatory attack following the assassination of senior Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, as reported by Axios.
The website cited U.S. reports indicating that Iran might launch an attack on Israel as early as Monday, following threats from Iranian and Hezbollah leaders to avenge the deaths of Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr and Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh. In response to the escalating crisis, the U.S. has increased its military presence in the Middle East by deploying additional warships and fighter jets.
General Kurilla is expected to use his visit to rally an international and regional coalition similar to the one formed to support Israel against a previous Iranian attack on April 13. Special focus is on Jordan, which played a vital role during the previous attack by intercepting Iranian drones and providing airspace for U.S. and Israeli aircraft. The U.S. hopes this cooperation will continue if necessary.
Washington is concerned that this time Iran may not give any warning before launching an attack, potentially challenging the regional alliance’s ability to replicate its previous success in April. This response comes as a result of Ismail Haniyeh’s assassination earlier this week, according to senior American officials quoted by the New York Times.
The exact number of aircraft to be deployed and final approvals from senior officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, are still pending. Officials are working to balance the American response by deploying the right type and number of aircraft swiftly to help defend Israel without escalating the conflict.
Meanwhile, the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation announced that “The air defense system is on high alert to intercept any potential threat” from any direction, in reference to threats from Tehran and its allies.
This announcement coincides with the Israeli army’s confirmation of successful tests to intercept precision missiles using the ‘Lard’ system from the ‘Sa’ar 6’ Navy ship.
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