President Joe Biden is convening an urgent meeting with his national security team today as fears mount over a potential Iranian attack on Israel. This heightened tension follows the recent assassinations of a senior Hezbollah commander in Lebanon and Hamas’ top political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in Iran. Both Iran and its allies have blamed Israel for these killings and are threatening retaliation.
The situation in the Middle East has rapidly escalated, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declaring in a Cabinet meeting on Sunday that Israel is in a “multi-front war” with Iran and its proxies. In response, the United States and its allies are preparing to defend Israel against a potential counterstrike and are monitoring the region closely to prevent a broader conflict.
The assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh by a predawn airstrike in Tehran has particularly inflamed the situation. Iran’s Supreme Leader has vowed revenge against Israel, increasing the likelihood of a significant retaliatory attack. The U.S. is responding by deploying additional fighter jets and Navy warships to the Middle East to bolster Israel’s defenses ahead of a possible multi-day assault.
President Biden has publicly commented on the delicate situation, stating that the assassination of the Hamas leader does not help ceasefire negotiations. “The killing of a Hamas leader is not helpful to the Israeli ceasefire talks,” Biden said, emphasizing the need for restraint to prevent further escalation.
In a direct conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, Biden reportedly expressed his frustration, telling Netanyahu to “stop bullshitting me” and urging more serious efforts toward de-escalation and peace. This blunt exchange underscores the urgency and gravity of the current crisis.
Amid these developments, Hamas has initiated discussions on selecting a new leader, while Israel braces for potential retaliatory attacks. The conflict is further complicated by Hamas’ ongoing efforts to rebuild its military capabilities in Gaza, despite a brutal offensive by Israel over the past nine months. Analyses by the American Enterprise Institute’s Critical Threats Project, the Institute for the Study of War, and CNN indicate that nearly half of Hamas’ military battalions in northern and central Gaza have regained some of their fighting strength.
Experts warn that Israel faces an “extraordinarily dangerous” moment. Andrew Miller, the former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Israeli-Palestinian Affairs, spoke to CNN about the volatile situation. He highlighted the risks of an Iranian retaliation and the broader implications for regional stability.
The international community, led by the United States, is scrambling to prevent an all-out regional war. The U.N. and other global actors are calling for calm and urging all parties to engage in dialogue to de-escalate the situation.
As President Biden’s national security team convenes, the world watches anxiously, hoping for a resolution that averts further bloodshed and stabilizes the Middle East.
