Israel Braces for Potential Retaliation from Iran

Israel is on high alert as it awaits a possible retaliatory strike from Iran following the assassination of a senior Hamas leader in Tehran. The US has warned Iran that such an attack would pose a "serious risk" to its economy and government.

Amid heightened tensions, Israel eagerly anticipates a potential retaliatory strike from Iran following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, a senior Hamas leader, in Tehran late last month. The assassination, which Israel is widely suspected to have perpetrated, has inflamed tensions between the two nations.

The United States has conveyed a stern warning to Iran, emphasizing the grave consequences of a retaliatory attack. A US official affirmed that Iran has been explicitly informed that the risk of a major escalation "extremely high" if it chooses to carry out such an attack.

Israel Braces for Potential Retaliation from Iran

The official emphasized that Iran faces a "serious risk of consequences for its economy and the stability of its newly elected government" should it pursue the path of retaliation.

Iran has not explicitly confirmed its intention to strike back at Israel, but its past actions and statements suggest otherwise. In April, Iran vehemently retaliated to Israel's assassination of a senior Iranian paramilitary commander in Syria with a substantial missile and drone assault.

Israel Braces for Potential Retaliation from Iran

The exact scale and timing of Iran's probable response remain uncertain. Nonetheless, the situation is complicated by Hezbollah, an Iranian proxy terrorist group that has lately been escalating assaults on Israel close to its border with Lebanon.

Earlier this week, Israel reported carrying out airstrikes in southern Lebanon, killing four Hezbollah operatives. This escalation has added to the already-volatile situation.

Israel Braces for Potential Retaliation from Iran

US officials have been emphatic in stating that their cautions to Iran focus on the potential risks of provoking a military response from Israel rather than any possible US military action.

Diplomatic initiatives are underway, with leaders from Qatar, Egypt, and the US urging Israel to reengage in talks with Hamas by August 15th. In a joint statement released earlier on Thursday, the three nations expressed, "It is time to conclude a cease-fire agreement and release hostages and prisoners."

Israel Braces for Potential Retaliation from Iran

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has affirmed that Israel will dispatch a negotiating team on August 15th to finalize the terms of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

However, the killing of Haniyeh has cast doubt on the progress of the peace negotiations. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Fox News national correspondent Jeff Paul offers on-the-ground reporting on Israel's preparedness and the potential implications of Iranian retaliation on "Special Report."

Sources:

* [Fox News](https://www.foxnews.com/world/iran-israel-retaliatory-strike)

* [The Wall Street Journal](https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-warns-iran-of-serious-risks-from-retaliating-against-israel-1475493823)