Biden convenes security team on Iran threats

Iranian proxy Hezbollah:

🔴Has fired thousands of rockets at Israeli civilians since October 7
🔴Is responsible for deadly terrorist attacks in Israel and around the world
🔴Is rapidly increasing its weapons stockpile
🔴Is a threat to Israel, the region and global security pic.twitter.com/eY8okaQOAv

— Israel ישראל (@Israel) August 5, 2024

President Joe Biden convened his national security team on Monday as concerns grew about a possible Iranian attack on Israel. The meeting came after Iran blamed Israel for the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh and vowed severe retaliation. During the briefing, Biden was updated on threats from Iran and its proxies, diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions, and plans to support Israel if an attack occurs. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said officials were working “around the clock” to prevent further escalation. “Escalation is not in anyone’s interests,” Blinken said. “It will only lead to more conflict, more violence, more insecurity.”

For those following the Iran-Israel conflict, here’s an explainer I wrote about the scenarios the Middle East is bracing for: https://t.co/9G58839yVw

— Jotam Confino (@mrconfino) August 5, 2024

On the same day, a suspected rocket attack hit a U.S. military base in Iraq.

My latest: Yoav Gallant, Israel’s defence minister, coordinated Israel’s response with his Italian and American counterparts, discussing a series of “scenarios and corresponding defensive and offensive capabilities”.https://t.co/BRapr73Wzr

— Jotam Confino (@mrconfino) August 5, 2024

Blinken stressed the urgency of diplomatic efforts to achieve a ceasefire. “A ceasefire would unlock possibilities for more enduring calm not only in Gaza itself but in other areas where the conflict can spread,” he noted. Earlier, Biden spoke with Jordan’s King Abdullah II about efforts to reduce tensions, including an immediate ceasefire and a hostage release deal.

Biden reviews Iranian threat updates

The G7 also expressed “deep concern at the heightened level of tension in the Middle East” in a joint statement. The Iran-backed militia Hezbollah could play a role in any retaliatory actions. The U.S. and UK have advised citizens to leave Lebanon, fearing Hezbollah’s involvement. Airlines such as Lufthansa and Delta have suspended flights to Tel Aviv, Tehran, and Beirut due to the conflict. The UK Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to Lebanon and northern Israel near the Lebanon border. The Gaza conflict began after an October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas and other militant groups, resulting in around 1,200 deaths and hundreds taken hostage. Israel’s ground invasion of Gaza has led to over 39,600 Palestinian deaths, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Hezbollah and Israeli forces have clashed near-daily, causing hundreds of deaths and displacements on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border. Both Hezbollah and Hamas are backed by Iran and part of what Iran calls the “axis of resistance,” a loose alliance of militant and political groups opposed to Israel and its key ally, the U.S.