Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to its security on Thursday, stating that the nation remains vigilant against potential threats from Iran. Netanyahu’s remarks came amidst speculation that Iran might retaliate against Israel for the recent killing of senior Iranian commanders.
“We are prepared to meet all of the security needs of the State of Israel, both defensively and offensively,” Netanyahu declared during a visit to the Tel Nof air force base in southern Israel.
Israel has been on high alert following the airstrike on the Iranian embassy compound in Damascus on April 1, which resulted in the deaths of a senior general and six other Iranian officers. While Israel has not officially claimed responsibility for the attack, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, vowed retaliation, stating that Israel “must be punished and it shall be.”
Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari reassured the public that civilians are not being instructed to take any special precautions but emphasized that Israel is “highly prepared for a range of scenarios.”
Meanwhile, Israeli troops and warplanes launched an operation in central Gaza aimed at destroying infrastructure belonging to armed Palestinian groups. Despite most Israeli troops withdrawing from Gaza, clashes have persisted in various areas of the enclave. Palestinian residents reported intense Israeli airstrikes targeting buildings, including mosques, with some describing the situation as akin to “a new war.”
The ongoing conflict in Gaza, now in its seventh month, has diverted attention from tensions further north, where Israeli troops have engaged in daily exchanges of fire with Hezbollah militia fighters across the border in Lebanon. Israeli jets reportedly struck Hezbollah military targets in southern Lebanon on Thursday.
The Gaza Health Ministry reported that Israeli military strikes in the past 24 hours have resulted in the deaths of 63 Palestinians and the injury of 45 others. Additionally, late on Thursday, Palestinian health officials confirmed that an Israeli airstrike had killed Rudwan Rudwan, the head of the Hamas-run police force in Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas began with an attack on southern Israel by Hamas, resulting in casualties and ongoing tensions between the two sides.
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