Israeli Army on High Alert for ‘Potential’ Iranian Attack

Israeli Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi (center) meets with senior officers, November 4, 2024. (Israel Army)
Israeli Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi (center) meets with senior officers, November 4, 2024. (Israel Army)
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Israeli Army on High Alert for ‘Potential’ Iranian Attack

Israeli Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi (center) meets with senior officers, November 4, 2024. (Israel Army)
Israeli Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi (center) meets with senior officers, November 4, 2024. (Israel Army)

Israeli Army Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi has ordered the military to be placed on high alert for a possible Iranian attack and has instructed preparations for a range of scenarios.
The security leadership in Tel Aviv affirmed that even if the likelihood of Iran taking military action against Israel remains low, Halevi ordered his forces to take precautionary measures, including raising the readiness of the air force and air defense.
Israeli analysts said the caution comes as Iran faces multiple domestic economic and political instability, including a plunging exchange rate, internal criticism and possible demonstrations.
They said such difficulties could push Tehran to take extreme actions against Israel, particularly ahead of the return of Donald Trump to the White House.
Additionally, the security sources said there is concern in Israel and the US that Iran may accelerate its pursuit of nuclear capabilities. The Iranian regime might view nuclear weapons as its only means of survival or as a deterrent against its adversaries.
Tel Aviv and Washington feel compelled to intervene forcefully to prevent this scenario, according to the sources.



Over 12,300 Civilians Killed since Start of Ukraine War, UN says

A woman reacts at the site of a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in central Kyiv, Ukraine, December 20, 2024. REUTERS/Thomas Peter/File Photo
A woman reacts at the site of a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in central Kyiv, Ukraine, December 20, 2024. REUTERS/Thomas Peter/File Photo
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Over 12,300 Civilians Killed since Start of Ukraine War, UN says

A woman reacts at the site of a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in central Kyiv, Ukraine, December 20, 2024. REUTERS/Thomas Peter/File Photo
A woman reacts at the site of a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in central Kyiv, Ukraine, December 20, 2024. REUTERS/Thomas Peter/File Photo

More than 12,300 civilians have been killed in the Ukraine war since Russia invaded nearly three years ago, a UN official said on Wednesday, noting higher casualties in recent months amid the use of drones, long-range missiles and glide bombs, according to Reuters.

"Russian armed forces intensified their operations to capture further territory in eastern Ukraine, with a severe impact on civilians in frontline areas, particularly in the Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions," Nada Al-Nashif, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights said in a statement, referring to developments since September 2024.

"We are deeply concerned by the impacts on civilians of the increased use of drones and the use of new weapons," she added, referring in part to Russia's use of highly destructive guided bombs or glide bombs in residential areas.