The United States has expressed concerns about a potential Iranian assault on Israel and has advised its diplomatic staff in Israel to stay close to their residences in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Be’er Sheva in the south. This cautionary message follows a series of threats from Iran, vowing to retaliate against Israel for an airstrike that took place on April 1 in Damascus, Syria. The airstrike resulted in the deaths of two generals and five officers who were responsible for orchestrating attacks on Israel through terrorist proxy groups in recent months.
Israel has issued a warning that if Iran were to launch a direct attack from its own territory, Israel would respond directly to Iran, rather than targeting Iran-backed groups such as Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, or militias in Iraq.
In response to the escalating tensions, the Israeli military has suspended leave for combat soldiers and has called up reservists from air defense units. Additionally, President Joe Biden reaffirmed on Wednesday that the United States’ support for Israel remains unwavering, aiming to dissuade Iran from taking any aggressive actions.
The Jerusalem Post reports:
“The United States said on Thursday it had restricted its employees in Israel and their family members from personal travel outside the greater Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Be’er Sheva areas amid Iran’s threats to retaliate against its regional adversary. Iran has vowed revenge for the April 1 airstrike on its embassy compound in Damascus, ratcheting up tension in a region already strained by the Gaza war. “Out of an abundance of caution, U.S. government employees and their family members are restricted from personal travel outside the greater Tel Aviv (including Herzliya, Netanya, and Even Yehuda), Jerusalem, and Be’er Sheva areas until further notice,” the US embassy said in a security alert on its website on Thursday. “U.S. government personnel are authorized to transit between these three areas for personal travel.”’
Israel’s Army Radio anchors expressed confusion over the U.S announcement and questioned its basis on reliable intelligence. They highlighted that the U.S. unintentionally disclosed the location of its local personnel. In addition, global powers like the United Kingdom have strongly advised Iran against attacking Israel and emphasized the importance of avoiding a broader conflict.
