Alert: Israel Ready for Retaliation from Iran or Hezbollah

Israel announced on Saturday that its military is on high alert for potential retaliatory strikes from Hezbollah or Iran, following the recent targeted killings of key figures in these groups.

Reports in Israeli media suggest that assessments are being made about the possibility of an imminent attack by Hezbollah.

Both Hezbollah and Iran have been issuing threats of retaliation after a series of attacks resulted in the deaths of prominent leaders within Iran-backed militant groups. Among those killed were Hezbollah’s top military commander, Fu’ad Shukr, who died in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut at the end of July, and Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated in Tehran.

When questioned about these threats, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Daniel Hagari emphasized that the military is fully prepared for any potential attacks from either Hezbollah or Iran.

“We take our enemies’ threats seriously, and we’ve been prepared for a long time. Our readiness is comprehensive, both in offense and defense. Above all, any threat we identify towards Israeli citizens will be neutralized, and that is how we will continue to operate. Any developments will be communicated to the public immediately,” Hagari stated.

A reporter from Israel’s state-run Kan 11 television channel pressed Hagari on the reports that Hezbollah could strike soon. While Hagari did not confirm specific assessments or provide a timeline, he reiterated that the military has been prepared for an extended period and will continue to act to neutralize threats.

A significant attack on Israel could potentially jeopardize ongoing ceasefire negotiations, which, according to US officials, had been progressing before the assassination of Haniyeh in Tehran—a killing that Iran attributes to Israel. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement.

Currently, 109 Israeli hostages are being held in Gaza, including 36 who are believed to have died, according to data from the Israeli government press office. Earlier this week, the bodies of six Israeli hostages were recovered from tunnels in Gaza during an Israeli military operation in Khan Younis.

The conflict in Gaza began after Hamas-led militants launched a devastating attack on Israel on October 7, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people and the capture of more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli authorities. Palestinian authorities report that more than 40,200 people have died in Gaza since the conflict started.