IRAN AND HEZBOLLAH ATTACK ON ISRAEL WITHIN 24 TO 48 HOURS, BLINKEN TELLS G7: REPORT

Mon 05 August 2024:

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has issued a warning that Iran and Hezbollah may launch an attack on Israel within the next 24 to 48 hours. This unconfirmed report from Axios was released on Monday, amid growing fears of a regional war in the Middle East. Iran and Hezbollah have vowed to retaliate following the recent killings of top Hamas and Hezbollah leaders.

Intelligence and Diplomatic Efforts

Citing three unnamed sources, Axios reports that Blinken informed G7 counterparts in a conference call about the potential attack, indicating it could happen as early as Monday. “The sources said Blinken stressed that the US believes Iran and Hezbollah will both retaliate,” Axios wrote, though the exact timing and form of the attacks are unknown.

Blinken urged G7 members, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the UK, to help de-escalate the situation by persuading Iran and Hezbollah to limit their attacks and urging Israel to restrain its response.

The G7 issued a statement on Monday expressing “deep concern over the heightened level of tension in the Middle East” and called for restraint from all sides, emphasizing that “no country or nation stands to gain from a further escalation.”

__________________________________________________________________________

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAtNxX8fewmiFmN7N22

__________________________________________________________________________

Military Preparations and Warnings

Following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on July 31, the US has deployed additional military forces to the Middle East in anticipation of retaliatory attacks, insisting these moves are “defensive.” US Central Command chief, General Michael Kurilla, is expected to arrive in Israel on Monday to finalize preparations with the Israeli army.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant warned, “If they dare to attack us, they will pay a heavy price.”

Evacuation Advisories

On Monday, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and France joined the US and other European governments in advising their citizens to leave Lebanon immediately. The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs urged its nationals to avoid traveling to Lebanon and suggested those already there to leave “as soon as possible” in the “highly volatile security context.”

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

______________________________________________________________

FOLLOW INDEPENDENT PRESS:

WhatsApp CHANNEL
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAtNxX8fewmiFmN7N22