Israel is gearing up to launch a decisive strike against its long-time adversary Iran, with expectations of an imminent attack, according to a Middle East expert.
Tel Aviv is set to “cut the head off the snake” of Tehran and its extensive network of proxies, Dr. Anahita Motazed Rad warned, as they prepare for a coordinated strike that could trigger an all-out war.
The Middle East expert explained the likelihood of a retaliatory attack from Iran in response to recent high-profile assassinations allegedly carried out by Israel. These included the killings of two senior Hamas leaders and a Hezbollah commander.
Iran and its allied groups are poised to launch a revenge strike “within hours”, Dr. Rad warned.
This coordinated response is expected to come from Iran’s regional proxies, including Hamas, the Houthis, and Hezbollah, who could unleash a barrage of ballistic missiles across the Lebanon border.
Tehran itself is also expected to fire rockets from its military bases, escalating the conflict in the Middle East.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are prepared to respond with “full military capability” to any aggression, Dr. Rad told The Sun.
She said: “Israel no longer wants to just fight the ‘legs of the octopus’ but to cut off ‘the head of the snake’.”
After nearly 10 months of conflict with Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah on its northern border, and the Houthis in Yemen, Israel seems ready to take more decisive action against Iran.
As tensions in the region intensify, Tehran’s nuclear capabilities remain a significant concern. Several countries, including Britain and the US, have advised their citizens in Lebanon to leave immediately.
US officials, Israel‘s staunchest allies, also anticipate a revenge strike from Iran within hours.
There are fears Lebanon-based Hezbollah, Iran’s most powerful proxy group, could launch a missile barrage at Israel within hours, particularly with “ballistic” rockets, according to Dr. Rad. She suggested that Netanyahu’s forces might launch a preemptive attack on southern Lebanon soon.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with estimates of at least 39,000 deaths in Gaza since the war broke out. Recent high-profile assassinations and deadly strikes have further heightened tensions.
Iran and its proxies have vowed to seek revenge for the assassination of Haniyeh, with Hezbollah firing rockets toward Galilee in northern Israel. The Iron Dome defence system intercepted most of the missiles, but the situation remains volatile.
The assassination of Hamas’ political leader Ismail Haniyeh on July 31 in Tehran has particularly humiliated Iran. Dr. Rad highlighted that the Iranian regime’s credibility has suffered, pushing them closer to war.
She warned: “This war will happen very soon.”
In a past incident on April 1, Israel was suspected of striking Iran’s Syrian embassy in Damascus, killing several top IRGC commanders. Two weeks later, Iran fired a significant number of ballistic and cruise missiles and attack drones towards Tel Aviv.
Dr. Rad predicts a swifter and more hybrid response this time, involving both direct and indirect attacks through proxies like Hezbollah and the Houthis.
The Middle East expert believes Iran will aim to strike Israeli military bases and key army strongholds in neighboring countries. However, she emphasized that “Israel is well prepared for fighting” and can respond more harshly.