Iran assault: Fears grow of attack on Israel after Hamas boss Ismail Haniyeh killed in Tehran
Israel is braced for an Iranian assault on five fronts “at any moment” in revenge for the assassination of a Hamas boss on its soil.
Tehran is shaken after it emerged the terror chief was killed by a bomb smuggled into the regime’s official guest house in the capital months ago.
Supreme leader Ali Khamenei has instructed the Islamic republic’s Supreme National Security Council to launch a direct attack on Israel.
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An Israeli official said last night: “We are preparing for an attack on five fronts at any moment.”
Major general Mohammad Bagheri, chief of staff of Iran’s armed forces, yesterday warned the “response of the resistance axis” is “under review”.
He said: “This will definitely be executed. We will take various measures, and the Zionists will undoubtedly come to regret their actions.”
It is feared the response could eclipse Iran’s blistering attack in April where hundreds of ballistic missiles, drones and cruise missiles came terrifyingly close to overwhelming Israel’s defences.
That assault saw RAF fighter jets in Cyprus defending Israeli skies, but defence sources said last night that British bases are not on a “higher readiness” and no extra planes have been deployed.
Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed in his sleep at 2am on Wednesday after visiting Tehran for the presidential inauguration.
He was staying in a regime guest house and was protected by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards in part of the Neshat compound in the north of the city.
A bomb had been smuggled inside two months earlier, top Middle East officials told the New York Times. It was detonated remotely once it was confirmed he was inside his room.
The huge blast also killed his bodyguard. While Israel has not claimed responsibility it is the fourth high-profile Hamas leader assassinated since October 7 and it is said to be ticking off a “kill list”.
Just 12 hours before Haniyeh’s death, Israel killed Fuad Shukr, the military leader of Hezbollah, another Iranian proxy in Lebanon.
Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah secretary general, last night vowed revenge, saying Israel “had crossed a red line”.
He said: “There is no discussion on this point. The only things lying between us and you are the days, the nights and the battlefield.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was prepared for any “aggression”.
It came as huge crowds waving Palestinian flags filled the streets of Tehran yesterday for the funeral of Haniyeh.
Meanwhile, 70,000 Israelis dashed to Tel Aviv airport to try to get out as tensions build in the country.
Israel’s National Security Council is warning travellers to exercise extra caution abroad over fears Jewish institutions may be targeted by Iran-allied militants.
