World
Blinken Warns of Potential Attacks on Israel from Iran and Hezbollah
In a tense situation brewing in the Middle East, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently warned that Iran and Hezbollah might launch attacks against Israel within the next couple of days. This news, according to an unconfirmed report from Axios, comes as concerns about a larger regional conflict grow.
During a conference call with G7 foreign ministers, Blinken shared insights from three unnamed sources about the possible timing of these attacks. While he mentioned that it could happen as soon as Monday, he also noted that the exact nature of the actions remains unclear.
In his discussions, Blinken emphasized the US goal to de-escalate the situation. He urged his counterparts to use diplomatic channels to convince Iran, Hezbollah, and Israel to restrain themselves to prevent any further escalation.
The G7 group, which includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom, expressed deep concerns about the rising tensions with a statement calling for restraint from all parties involved. They insisted that escalating the conflict would serve no one.
The backdrop to these warnings includes the recent assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on July 31, which prompted the US to reinforce its military presence in the region as a precautionary measure.
Reports also indicate that General Michael Kurilla, the chief of US Central Command, is expected to arrive in Israel soon to collaborate with the Israeli army on preparations against possible threats.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has made it clear that any attack on Israel would be met with severe consequences. As the ongoing war in Gaza continues, the risks of clashes between Israel, Iran, and Hezbollah are heightened.
With the situation escalating, several nations have started advising their citizens to leave the area while travel is still possible. Countries like Japan, Saudi Arabia, and France are among those urging their nationals to exit Lebanon quickly, reflecting a growing sense of urgency amid the volatile security climate.
