On Wednesday, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, ordered a direct attack on Israel.
This after accusations that Israel was behind the murder of Hamas leader Ismail Haniya.
Now an escalation of an already escalated conflict is expected.
– Most people in Israel expect some kind of answer or revenge, says Filip Jacobson, foreign reporter at TV4 Nyheterna.
On Tuesday afternoon, Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukar was killed in Beirut, after an attack by Israel. Less than a day later, Hamas’ top political leader Ismail Haniya was assassinated during a visit to Tehran. Hamas blames Israel for the murder. This week there was also information that Hamas military chief Mohammad Dayf died in an attack by Israel.
Israel is now preparing for a possible triple attack from Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas. The situation in the region is tense.
– Most people in Israel expect some kind of answer or revenge, although the uncertainty is very great as to how and when it will happen, says TV4 Nyhetern’s foreign reporter Filip Jacobson, on location in Tel-Aviv.
Worry about escalation
Several countries advise against traveling to the region. French visitors still in Iran should “leave as soon as possible” because of the increased risk of military escalation, the foreign ministry said on Friday. At the same time, the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has further tightened the travel advice to Israel and Palestine.
That it is tense in the country and the region is not, however, something that is tangible on the streets of Tel-Aviv.
– Apparently people live their lives as usual. Among other things, I met two young guys earlier today who were on their way down to the beach, and they had no plans whatsoever to change their lives, despite the threats from Israel’s enemies, says Filip Jacobson, foreign reporter at TV4 Nyheterna.
– I choose to live my life as usual. I’m not going to change a thing, says one of the boys.
USA ready to mobilize
White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby said Friday that the United States is ready to move resources to the Middle East if needed.
“We have heard the supreme leader loud and clear that he intends to avenge this killing of a Hamas leader in Tehran, and that they want to carry out another attack on Israel,” Kirby said.
“We have to make sure we have the right resources and capacity in the region,” he continued.