Desperate times, desperate measures: Iran has 'Israel' on its toes

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen + Israeli media
13 Apr 2024 23:32
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"Israel" implements stringent measures in response to heightened threats about possible Iranian retaliation.

An Israeli occupation soldier mistakenly thinks he hears an air raid siren and jumps to the ground to take cover in kibbutz 'Be'eri', 'Israel', Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023. (AP)

Fearing Iran's anticipated retaliation, "Israel" has imposed strict measures across occupied Palestine, with the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) announcing significant restrictions on civilian activities.

Daniel Hagari, the IOF spokesperson, declared the implementation of new guidelines, citing fear over a potential Iranian retaliation on Israeli-occupied soil.

The Israeli Home Front Command has issued directives banning all educational activities from northern "Israel" to southern "Israel" and limiting gatherings to a maximum of 1,000 individuals. These restrictions, which are already in effect near the Gaza and Lebanon borders, encompass school trips and camps, despite the ongoing Passover holiday.

The desperate measures, set to remain in place until Monday at 11 pm, underscore "Israel's" heightened state of alertness. Hagari emphasized the readiness of the Israeli air defenses, with numerous aircraft stationed in the skies as a deterrent against potential threats.

It was even reported by Israeli media that canned food and bottled water stocks are quickly being depleted as people seek to stockpile their bunkers following the desperate measures distributed by the Israeli occupation's Home Front Command during these apparently desperate times.

Meanwhile, Israeli media reports reveal additional precautions, including the closure of beaches and parking lots at Lake Tabarayya due to the prevailing security situation. Furthermore, all Israeli politicians have been instructed to remain inside "Israel" and refrain from overseas travel. Similarly, Israeli media reported that settlers were ordered to "work from home" tomorrow.

Amid these measures, Israeli media underlined that the mental health hotline is readying for a surge in calls due to the terror that will strike them following the Iranian attack.

Moreover, Israeli media reported that "Israel" is looking into the possibility of closing its own airspace amid increasing tensions. Other reports on the topics have noted that "Israel" is likely to close off its airspace starting at 1:00 am.

In that regard, Israeli media also reported that Ben Gurion airport would shut down for three hours without mentioning the exact time of this measure. However, it has been reported that the government jet, "Wing of Zion", pertaining to the Israeli occupation's Prime Minister has been moved to an allegedly secure location. Other reports tracked the jet saying “Wing of Zion” had taken flight from the "Nevatim" Airbase in southern "Israel", data from flight tracking websites show.

In light of the escalating tensions, US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, engaged in a second phone call within three days with Israeli Security Minister Yoav Gallant. The Pentagon underscored unwavering US support for "Israel's" defense, assuring full assistance in countering any aggression from Iran and its proxies.

Amid these developments, US President Joe Biden truncated a weekend trip to Delaware for urgent consultations in Washington regarding the regional situation in West Asia. The White House cited mounting concerns over the prospect of an Iranian attack on "Israel", indicating the gravity of the situation.

Pentagon boosts US presence in Middle East amid Iran response threat

US army reinforcements are on their way to the Middle East, amid worries that "Israel's" war on Gaza may spark a larger regional conflict, especially amid the anticipated Iranian retaliation to the Israeli attack on its consulate in Syria.

One US defense official told The Washington Post that "additional assets" were being moved to "bolster regional deterrence efforts and increase force protection for U.S. forces."

Another US defense official aware of the Pentagon's plans declined to reveal which ships or planes are participating, citing security concerns. Warships stationed in the vicinity, such as the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and the destroyers USS Carney and USS Arleigh Burke, remain close, according to the source.

The US government expects that the Iranian response to the April 1 aggression will be "larger than usual" but not significant enough to elicit a reaction from Washington, according to two anonymous US officials cited by the news outlet earlier on Thursday.