In an atmosphere thick with unease, the arrival in Israel of the US commander of Central Command (CENTCOM) Michael Kurilla, underscores the gravity and urgency of the perceived threat from Iran and its proxies. The unusual visit signals heightened fears of an imminent Iranian attack, casting a shadow of war over not just Israel but the region as a whole.

The tension, a culmination of years of covert conflicts and public threats, has now reached a critical juncture. With both nations on high alert, the question is not if, but when, the simmering conflict will erupt into open hostility. Both are sending signals warning of the grave consequences of a misstep. A successful direct missile or drone attack on Israel would plunge the region into chaos.

Netanyahu Issues Stern Warning at Fighter Base

Visiting an F-15 base in Israel’s south, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made clear to Iran that Israel will strike if attacked.

“We set a simple principle: Anyone who hits us, we hit them,” Netanyahu says in apparent reference to Iranian threats to carry out strikes against Israel. “We are ready to fulfill our responsibilities to Israel’s security, in defense and attack.”

“I, and the whole of Israel, trust you,” he says to the pilots, wishing them “much success.”

Kurilla in the Room

The United States, Israel’s lately wobbly ally, has so far taken a clear stance in the face of these developments. President Joe Biden repeated talking points that the US commitment to defend Israel is “ironclad.” There have been reports that the US has not ruled out joint action with Israel in case of an Iranian attack.

American intelligence assessments suggest an Iranian strike is not a matter of if but when, with possible use of high-precision missiles and drones. “Citing intel assessments, Bloomberg says strike could involve high-precision missiles and drones; top US general in Mideast reportedly to visit Israel to discuss threat from Iran.”​

This acknowledgment has propelled the U.S. to not only bolster its diplomatic support for Israel but also to demonstrate its commitment through the significant gesture of the top CENTCOM general’s visit. The visit of Gen. Kurilla, a tangible manifestation of U.S. solidarity with Israel, is a clear message to Iran about the repercussions of escalating the situation further.

In response to the threat, Israel has ramped up its defensive posture and readiness for potential retaliatory attacks. The Israeli government, recognizing the severity of the Iranian warnings, has not only prepared its military defenses but has also issued stern threats of a “powerful response” within Iranian territory should Iran choose to launch attacks from its soil. This rhetoric underscores the precarious nature of the situation, with both nations teetering on the brink of a conflict that could have far-reaching consequences for the entire region.

Regional Ripples

The looming threat of a direct confrontation between Israel and Iran sends ripples of concern across the Middle East and beyond. Neighboring countries, many of which have complex ties with either Iran or Israel, watch with bated breath, understanding that any escalation could destabilize the already volatile region further. The international community, particularly countries within the Gulf Cooperation Council and those with vested interests in the Middle East’s stability, find themselves in a delicate position, urging diplomacy while preparing for the potential fallout of increased hostilities.

Both Syria and Jordan have warned Iran not to use its territory or airspace, fearing the consequences of Israeli retribution.

Russia has warned its citizens to avoid travel to Israel and Lebanon. Several air carriers have stopped flights to and from Teheran. The Iranian FARS news agency initially announced the closure of the airport and then retracted the notice.