Israel prepares for potential direct attack from Iran: US media

By Necva Tastan

ISTANBUL (AA) - Israel is preparing for a direct attack from Iran within two days, but Iran has not yet made a final decision on the attack, a report said on Friday.

Quoting a source, the US-based Wall Street Journal claimed that following Tel Aviv's attack on the consulate building in Iran's Embassy compound in Damascus, Tehran's potential retaliation is expected to be directly aimed at Israel.

Tel Aviv is preparing for Iran to launch a direct attack on southern or northern Israel "as soon as Friday or Saturday," the source said.

A second source, reportedly informed by the Iranian leadership, stated that while discussions about attack plans are underway, a final decision has not been made.

Iran is likely to carry out a retaliatory attack within Israel in the next few days, according to an assessment based on intelligence reports by a US official, it reported.

An adviser to Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also said: “The strike plans are in front of the Supreme Leader and he is still weighing the political risk."

On April 1, an airstrike targeted the consulate building within Iran's embassy compound in Damascus, resulting in the death of seven individuals, including two senior generals from the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps.

On Wednesday, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei stated that Israel erred in attacking the Iranian Consulate in Damascus and killing the general, saying: "Israel must be punished, and they will pay for their mistakes." also holding the US accountable.

In response, Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, while visiting an Iron Dome missile defense unit in Israel, warned against any attack, saying those trying to attack will face strong defense and strong response.