For Washington, the threat is growing. According to the agency Bloombergwho cites “relatives” American intelligence, it would be increasingly likely that Iran or its allies would carry out a “massive attack” on Israel. The media speaks of drone or missile strikes which could be sent in the next few days: it would no longer be “question of if but when” This attack will take place, an anonymous source told Bloomberg.
Much feared since October 7, the regional conflagration between Israel and its neighbors has so far never occurred, even though tensions and exchanges of fire are daily with Lebanon. But since April 1, the probability of an escalation has gone up a notch, the fault of an Israeli raid against the Iranian consulate in Damascus. 14 people were killed, including two military leaders of the Revolutionary Guards.
Tehran immediately promised retaliation. “We will make him regret this crime and the others”, reacted the Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a press release, offering his condolences to the relatives of the victims. This Wednesday, he reiterated his vow to strike Israel. “This crime will not pass without the enemy being punished”for his part threatened the Lebanese Hezbollah by invoking a “revenge” future. Israel has not explicitly acknowledged being behind this attack.
According to Bloomberg, if Iran responded, “Israel’s Western allies have been informed that Israeli government and military installations could be targeted, but that civilian installations should not be”. Foreign diplomats are reportedly developing contingency plans just in case. Israel would also have “indicated to his allies that he was waiting for this attack to take place before launching a new ground offensive against Hamas in Rafah”.
Joe Biden publicly declared this Wednesday to take this threat seriously, ensuring he would do everything, face “threats from Iran” For “protect the security of Israel”.