Israel is on high alert as the possibility of a direct attack by Iran looms large following the killing of a senior officer in Iran’s embassy in Damascus. US and other intelligence reports suggest that Iran could retaliate as early as Sunday, potentially sparking a regional conflict.US President Joe Biden has cautioned Israel to expect an attack from Iran soon, stating, “I don’t want to get into secure information but my expectation is sooner than later… Don’t.” The potential assault could involve drones and precision missiles, as suggested by reports from the Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg.The Defense Intelligence Agency’s assessment indicates that Iran has a substantial inventory of ballistic and cruise missiles capable of striking targets up to 2,000 kilometers away. In response, the US has deployed additional military assets to protect Israel and American forces in the region, including two Navy destroyers to the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.

The situation has escalated diplomatic efforts, with the US engaging in talks with Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and others to mitigate the risk of conflict. General Michael Kurilla, head of US Central Command, has been dispatched to Israel for urgent discussions on the threat from Iran.

Tensions between Israel and Iran escalated after an Israeli airstrike hit the Iran consulate in Damascus, killing seven people, including two generals. Iran has threatened retaliation, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declaring that Israel “must be punished and it shall be.”

Israel has responded by canceling home leave for combat troops, calling up reserves, and bolstering air defenses. Travel restrictions for government employees and their families have been implemented by the US Embassy in Israel as a precaution.

While Iran has intensified its rhetoric against Israel, the exact timing of an attack remains uncertain. Iran’s psychological warfare tactics aim to instill fear and uncertainty in Israel, contributing to the broader campaign to destabilize the region in favor of Iranian interests. This approach poses a significant challenge for Israeli security forces, which must prepare for both conventional military threats and unconventional psychological operations.

(With inputs from Agencies)