President Biden is set to convene with his national security team in the Situation Room on Monday, in anticipation of an imminent Iranian attack on Israel.
Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee for president, will also participate in the meeting, according to the White House.
This meeting follows a discussion between Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and his Israeli counterpart on Sunday, where they reaffirmed U.S. support for Israel amidst escalating tensions with Iran and its proxies, which threaten a wider regional conflict after 10 months of clashes with Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.
Austin and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant talked about U.S. military posture adjustments aimed at protecting U.S. forces in the region, supporting Israel’s defense, and deterring and de-escalating broader regional tensions, according to a Pentagon readout.
This discussion took place as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed his Cabinet on Sunday that Israel is already engaged in a “multi-front war” with Iran and its proxies.
Regional tensions have reached unprecedented levels following the recent killings of a senior Hezbollah commander in Lebanon and Hamas’ top political leader in Iran. Iran and its allies have blamed Israel and threatened retaliation, with Hamas announcing it has started discussions on selecting a new leader.
Netanyahu stated that Israel is prepared for any scenario. Concurrently, Jordan’s foreign minister is making a rare visit to Iran as part of diplomatic efforts, with Ayman Safadi stating, “We want the escalation to end.”
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Antony Blinken reportedly informed his counterparts on Sunday that Iran and Hezbollah might attack Israel as soon as Monday, according to Axios.
Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, head of the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), is expected to arrive in Israel on Monday to coordinate preparations for the anticipated attack, according to the Times of Israel.
The militant group Hezbollah and Israel have continued to exchange fire along the Lebanon border since the conflict began, with the intensity increasing in recent months. Hezbollah has stated its actions are aimed at relieving pressure on its fellow Iran-backed ally, Hamas.
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