On Alert for a Wider Security Escalation: Netanyahu and IDF Chief Hold Urgent Consultation

(Photo: Itay Beit-On/ GPO)

The Prime Minister’s Office said Tuesday afternoon that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a security consultation at the Kirya in Tel Aviv with Defense Minister ישראל כ"ץ and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir.

A security source told the media that the discussion focused on a possible escalation on all fronts. According to the source, "All eyes are on Iran, but the strikes in Lebanon are intensifying, and operations in Gaza are continuing as well."

Against the backdrop of the American strike overnight in Iran, and Iranian threats to halt the negotiations, there is concern in Israel that Iran may launch an attack of its own. As previously reported, American fighter jets struck boats belonging to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards overnight. The boats had laid naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. In addition, missile launch sites on Iran’s southwestern coast were attacked.

Meanwhile, the IDF began a wave of strikes in southern Lebanon this afternoon. Hezbollah infrastructure was targeted in several areas. It should be noted that since the morning, Hezbollah explosive drones and UAVs had infiltrated the Galilee. Sirens were activated several times in the Netu'a area. Four explosive drones launched by the terror organization fell inside Israeli territory, near the border with Lebanon. There were no injuries. 

Alerts were also activated in the Arab al-Aramshe area. Later, a hostile aircraft was reported in the Netu'a and Elkosh area; an explosive drone launched by the Hezbollah terror organization fell near the border. At the same time, Palestinians reported several IDF strikes in the Gaza Strip and a targeted killing.