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Israel Prepares for Potential Attacks from Iran and Its Proxies
Israel Prepares for Potential Attacks from Iran and Its Proxies
In a precautionary move, Israel's ambulance service has begun stockpiling blood supplies in an underground fortified center. Factories have disposed of hazardous materials, and municipal authorities have been inspecting shelters and ensuring adequate water supplies in anticipation of a potential attack threatened by Iran and its proxies.
Israel's fortification of its home front has been ongoing for several months, with numerous measures implemented since the outbreak of war in Gaza in October. However, preparations have accelerated significantly in the past ten days as the relatively limited conflict with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon threatens to escalate into a full-scale regional war.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Wednesday during an interview with new army recruits: "I know that the citizens of Israel are on alert, and I ask you to remain patient and calm." He added, "We are prepared to defend and attack. We strike our enemies and are also determined to defend ourselves."
Israel now faces the risk of a multi-front war, with challenges from Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis in Yemen, all backed by Iran. An attack is expected in the coming days following threats from Iran and Hezbollah to avenge the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas' political bureau in Tehran, and the assassination of Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut last week.
Israelis have grown accustomed to a state of crisis after months of anxiety and anticipation, especially following an Iranian attack involving hundreds of missiles in April, which was thwarted by Israeli air defenses with the help of international allies. Tens of thousands of people were evacuated from northern areas within Hezbollah's missile range at the start of the war, and many border areas have now become ghost towns.
However, Hezbollah's missile attacks on Israel could reach deep into the country, targeting sensitive locations such as the northern coastal city of Haifa, which is an easy target for Hezbollah’s missiles. Haifa's Rambam Hospital has been on high alert since last October, preparing fortified underground facilities consisting of three floors to treat patients. David Ratner, the hospital's spokesperson, stated, "We are bracing for what may happen."
The Israeli military has declared a state of maximum alert, and over the weekend, it enhanced its national air raid siren system, extending alerts to include text messages sent to residents in targeted areas. Many local councils have advised residents to limit unnecessary activities, stay close to protected areas, and avoid large gatherings.
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The armed forces stated that the Home Front Command is in constant contact with factories and local authorities to maintain "a complete picture of hazardous materials stock levels." Bazan Group, which operates one of the largest oil refineries in the eastern Mediterranean in Haifa, announced that it is "working to maintain energy security and ensure the continued supply of fuel to the economy."
Authorities are also preparing for the possibility of mass cash withdrawals. The Bank of Israel stated, "The stock of banknotes and coins at the Bank of Israel and within the banking system will be sufficient according to all foreseeable scenarios."
Levant News
