World scrambles to prevent wider Mideast war as Israel braces for Iran attack

World powers are racing to de-escalate tensions and minimize the risk of a full-scale war as Israel braces for a potential coordinated attack from Iran and the Lebanese group Hezbollah following the assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

After intensified consultations with the US, Israeli officials believe a joint or separate attack against Israel by Hezbollah and Iran is “inevitable,” according to the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper. The timing of the attack remains uncertain.

Discussions are ongoing about how Israel should respond to the potential attack. The newspaper reported that Israeli officials are considering the option of a preemptive strike.

Israeli ministries have been instructed to “prepare for all scenarios,” which could escalate into a war on five fronts, with thousands of targets being hit across the country.

Israeli officials anticipate that Hezbollah is preparing for a major attack against Israel that will not be limited to military targets, the newspaper added. The United States, along with countries such as France and Canada, is advising its citizens to leave the region and is deploying more military resources in the Middle East as preventative and defensive measures.

Jonathan Finer, White House National Security Council deputy adviser, said on Sunday, “Our goal is de-escalation, our goal is deterrence, our goal is defense of Israel.”

On Saturday, US President Joe Biden expressed hope that Iran would back down from its vow to avenge Haniyeh’s killing. However, with Israel preparing for potential attacks from Iran, Hezbollah, and other Iran-backed militia groups, the situation remains highly volatile.

When asked by reporters if Iran would stand down, Biden responded on Saturday, “I hope so. I don’t know.”