Early this morning, the Israeli Defense Forces claimed responsibility for the killing of Faud Shukr, a Hezbollah Military Chief.

Ismail Haniyeh, a Hamas leader in Tehran was also killed. The IDF has yet to claim responsibility for this death.

Nonetheless, it is likely Haniyeh’s death was a result of Israeli forces. Hamas, Iran, and their allies are going on the offensive following these deaths, sending sinister messages as this war rages on.

Iran and Hamas leaders have vowed to take revenge against Israel for Haniyeh and Shukr’s assassinations, saying that their war against Israel has entered a “new phase”.

Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, said Israel should expect “rage and revenge”.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden spoke on the phone following the escalation and new threats, discussing US military deployments to protect against possible attacks from ballistic missiles and drones.

Israelis’ have been told by their government to be vigilant, saying the country is on high alert as Israel braces for an Iranian response.

“Be vigilant and continue to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command,” IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari told the Israeli public, adding that if there are any changes, the military will update immediately.

48 hours after Shukr’s death, Hezbollah attacked Israel, firing dozens of rockets at the Western Galilee. Hezbollah also claimed responsibility for rocket fire at the northern border of Metzuba. 

Axios is reporting that US officials believe it will take Iran and its proxies several days to prepare an attack and is taking steps to be ready to counter any assault on Israel.

According to the report, the Biden Administration is worried it may face difficulty in gathering a regional and international coalition to assist in thwarting an attack due to intense criticism Israel has faced for their handling of the war.

The Biden Administration remains in support of Israel, with the White House stressing it will defend Israel’s security against all threats from Iran.