THIS STORY IS DEVELOPING
Iran launched dozens of drones and missiles at Israel Saturday, as tensions mount across the globe at the escalating crisis in the Middle East. Missiles are currently traveling toward Israel as I put this story together and the situation on the ground in the region remains extremely fluid.
Israeli citizens and visitors are preparing for the strikes and continuously monitoring the media in the early morning hours in Jerusalem, sources told me. According to U.S. and Israeli military officials the cruise missiles are traveling at slow speeds and expected to reach Israeli territory within hours.
Officials told reporters the missiles could take hours to reach their targets in Israel, however, Israeli military officials and the United States military assets in the region are prepared to intercept them.
President Joe Biden, along with senior officials in his team, have promised to back Israel during this very delicate time. Biden told reporters who questioned whether U.S. troops will become involved, or if he is concerned that U.S. assets or troops could be targeted and Biden said he is always concerned.
However, it’s the Biden administration’s failure to renew sanctions against Iran’s military and Iran’s continuing oil sales that have emboldened the cult like regime to target Israel on a massive scale, stated one U.S. official.
A former Israeli Defense Official told SaraACarter.com stated that the U.S. military succeeded in intercepting a missile that was launched from Iran.
There is no evidence at this time that Iran has launched ballistic missiles as part of the attack against Israel. pic.twitter.com/mz8PTE8Fzc
— Trey Yingst (@TreyYingst) April 13, 2024
Officials working in Israel that spoke to SaraACarter.com said that the nation is preparing for the strike and concern is mounting because of the extraordinary nature of the strike. This is the first time Iran has launched missiles directly from its territory to Israel without the use of proxies, such as Hamas and Hezbollah.
Foreign Ambassadors and top diplomats in Israel received a message Saturday evening to remain on high alert and prepare for possible incoming strikes.
“Excellencies – you are aware, Iran has launched an aerial attack on Israel,” the warning states. “It is highly advised to stay tonight near a shelter or a safe room and stay tuned to the developing situation. We will update as music as possible and are available for you.”
Fox News is reporting that any missiles flying over Jordanian air space will be shot down by either Jordanian and U.S. forces. However, U.S. Intelligence officials are warning that Iran may be planning on a multi-faceted attack and the current missiles may only be one part of a much larger attack.
“What else do they have in the box, is Hezbollah,” said one U.S. official. “We could see other attacks coming from various other proxies in the region – so Israel has to be monitoring all possibilities. This does open the door for Israel to actually launch a strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities as well – which makes one wonder, why begs the question, why did Iran choose to launch from its territory?”
Since last week, tensions in the Middle East have remained on high alert. U.S. Intelligence agencies have been closely monitoring what they deemed to be “credible” threats of an Iranian attack on Israel, following a strike on Iran’s Damascus consulate, where two top Iranian IRGC Generals were killed.
In response to the perceived threat, the U.S. is bolstering its presence in the region, deploying “additional assets” to bolster regional deterrence efforts and enhance force protection for U.S. forces, according to a U.S. defense official speaking to Fox News. National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby reiterated the seriousness of the situation, emphasizing the U.S.’s commitment to closely monitoring the potential threat posed by Iran.
The evolving situation has prompted U.S. CENTCOM Gen. Michael Kurilla to visit Israel, where he met with top military officials to assess military preparedness amidst growing concerns over Iranian retaliation. However, Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder refrained from speculating on specific threats from Iran, even as Tehran continues to promise action.
The State Department has issued new travel advisories for Israel, warning of potential terrorist attacks in major cities. Meanwhile, Iran has signaled its intent to respond to the attack on its consulate, albeit in a manner aimed at avoiding major escalation.
Amidst the uncertainty, experts weigh in on the potential ramifications of Iranian retaliation. Gen. Jack Keane of the Institute for the Study of War (IFSW) predicts an eventual attack, citing Iran’s desire to avoid escalation while exerting psychological pressure. However, Keane underscores the strength of Israel and the West’s leverage, suggesting a firm response to Iranian aggression.
Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, echoes concerns over the potential fallout from Iranian retaliation, highlighting the risks of escalation for Tehran. Taleblu emphasizes Iran’s strategic challenges in orchestrating an effective response, suggesting that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei faces a pivotal moment in his leadership.
As tensions simmer in the region, the U.S. and its allies brace for potential escalation, mindful of the delicate balance of power and the stakes involved in any confrontation with Iran. Amidst the uncertainty, one thing remains clear: the Middle East remains a powder keg, with the potential for conflict looming large on the horizon.
Alexander Carter Contributed to this report.
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Author: Sara Carter
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