Israel calls for 'quick transition to offense' in case of Iran attack

Israeli Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, called Monday for preparing for a “quick transition to offense” in case an Iranian attack against Tel Aviv following last week’s assassination of Hamas Political Bureau chief, Dr. Ismail Haniyeh, Anadolu Agency reports.

“We must prepare for all possibilities, including a quick transition to offense,” Gallant said as he visited the army’s Air Force command centre as cited by a statement released by his office.

Gallant claimed that Israel’s enemies are “carefully considering their steps thanks to the abilities” of the Israeli Air Force.

Dr. Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran on 31 July, after attending the swearing-in ceremony of Iran’s new President. Hamas and Iran accuse Israel of carrying out Haniyeh’s assassination, while Tel Aviv has not denied or confirmed its responsibility.

Israel is on high alert for a potential military response from Iran and its Lebanese ally, Hezbollah, which also vowed to retaliate following the death of senior commander, Fouad Shukr, in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut last week.

READ: Shin Bet prepares underground bunker to protect Netanyahu, senior officials from possible Iran attack