In a rare move, the Israeli Security Cabinet met on Thursday night in the underground central command center in Tel Aviv, after what is reported to be a request by the Shin Bet to prepare for a war scenario where leaders are forced to meet underground due to ongoing attacks.
With attacks from Hezbollah, Iran, the Houthis and potentially other fronts expected, Israel has been emphasizing to foreign leaders that it will respond disproportionately if civilians are harmed in an attack.
Reports out of Lebanon are saying that Hezbollah is looking to attack a “fat target”, with Israel understanding this to mean the terror group is looking to attack an Israeli leader, after Israel’s assassination of Hezbollah terror leader Fuad Shukr, and of Hamas terror leader Haniyeh in Tehran. Hezbollah’s intention to harm an Israeli leader could be another reason to the cabinet to meet underground.
CENCOM Commander Michael Kurilla visited Israel for a third time in the past week, and met with senior defense officials. Earlier, CENCOM announced that U.S. Air Force F-22 stealth fighter jets were being deployed to the region as part of the preparations to defend Israel against an Iranian attack.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration is pushing for a ceasfire in Gaza to avoid the hostilities, with US officials saying it all comes down to what Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar wants. However many are skeptical that Sinwar would present an off-ramp, and believe he is looking for a regional war.
{Matzav.com}