U.S. Warns G7 of Imminent Iran and Hezbollah Attack on Israel

Washington, August 5, 2024:  Secretary of State Tony Blinken informed his G7 counterparts on Sunday that Iran and Hezbollah might launch an attack on Israel as soon as Monday, according to three sources familiar with the call, reported Axios. Blinken organized the conference call to coordinate with key US allies and exert last-minute diplomatic pressure on Iran and Hezbollah to limit their retaliation, emphasizing that containing the extent of their attacks is crucial to avoiding a full-scale war.

The heightened tensions follow Hezbollah and Iran’s vows to respond to the assassination of Hamas Political leader Ismail Haniyeh by Israel in Tehran. The United States is currently making efforts to limit potential attacks by Hezbollah and Iran and to restrain Israeli retaliation. Blinken urged other foreign ministers to diplomatically press Iran, Hezbollah, and Israel to exercise maximum restraint.

US forces are being reinforced in the region for defensive purposes amid the warnings from Iran and Hezbollah to Israel, sources told Axios.

In an official statement, the G7 ministers expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East, warning that it threatens to ignite a broader conflict. “We urge all involved parties to refrain from perpetuating the current destructive cycle of retaliatory violence, to lower tensions, and engage constructively towards de-escalation. No country or nation stands to gain from further escalation in the Middle East,” they stated.

General Michael Kurilla, the commander of US Central Command, is scheduled to arrive in Israel on Monday to finalize preparations with the Israel Defense Forces in anticipation of a potential attack by Iran and Hezbollah.

Meanwhile, Israel is bracing for a possible attack from Iran and regional militias in retaliation for the assassinations of Hezbollah and Hamas officials. The US has sent defensive reinforcements while pressing for a Gaza cease-fire deal.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, “Israel is in a multifront war against Iran’s axis of evil. We are striking every one of its arms with great force. We are prepared for any scenario – both offensively and defensively.” Leaders of both Iran and Hezbollah have vowed that the recent killings in Beirut and Tehran will not go unanswered, claiming that red lines have been crossed and attacks are imminent.