Israel Opens Underground Bunker For Officials Amidst Regional War Threats: Report (image@CaptCoronado

West Asia is preparing for a greater and wider regional war. Daniel Hagari, Israeli army spokesperson, said in a press conference that Israel still doesn’t know from where the attack is going to come, but that they are prepared on all fronts and that they are prepared to act both offensively and defensively. Images circulating on social media showed Iron Dome missile defence system batteries being deployed and replenished all over the country as Israel bolsters its air defences in preparation for whatever is to come.

Israel has provoked Iran and its allies greatly, with the assassination of two of Hezbollah commander and Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh. Iran, and its axis of resistance has pledged strong vengeance for the humiliation and loss caused.

There are also reports about Israel’s Shin Bet – the internal security service – has opened up a bunker for Israeli officials underground, and even distributed satellite phones to Israeli officials should the communication systems be wiped out in any sort of attack, reported Al Jazeera.

Also Read: Avenging Ismail Haniyeh’s Death Is Tehran’s Duty: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State, has warned his counterparts from the G7 countries that an attack by Iran and Hezbollah against Israel could commence as early as Monday, said Axios. According to the report, Blinken arranged a conference call with US’ G7 foreign ministers to coordinate diplomatic efforts aiming to de-escalate the situation. During the call, Blinken stressed that limiting the impact of the strikes was the best chance to prevent a wider war in the region, according to Axios.

At the same time, Times of Israel, Israel’s leading daily, reported that the Benjamin Netanyahu-led government could sanction a pre-emptive strike on Iran to prevent an attack on Israeli soil.

As per the report, Israel’s leading intelligence agencies Mossad and Shin Bet and their respective heads David Barnea and Ronen Bar, were part of a meeting called by Netanyahu that was also attended by Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi.

Also Read: How Iran, Israel, And US Is Preparing For A Regional War In West Asia

Earlier, Iran said that Hezbollah will escalate its attacks deeper into Israeli territory, potentially targeting more than just military installations. The already fragile situation in West Asia spiralled into an extremely volatile atmosphere after the assassination of Hezbollah’s senior commander Fuad Shukur by Israel.

The assassination of Hamas political head, Ismail Haniyeh added fuel to the already smouldering tension. Haniyeh was assassinated while he was in Tehran to attend the swearing-in ceremony of new President Masoud Pezeshkian. Israel did not claim responsibility, but Hamas and Iran attribute the blame to Tel Aviv.

For months, Iran with its proxy teams spread across Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, and Syria has been engaged with cross-border bombing. The shadow war has ended now, and situation is escalating dramatically.

The intensity of the threat in the region has urged several countries, including, India has urged its citizens to leave the region, especially Lebanon, where Hezbollah is residing. Turkey and Italy are the last countries to issue travel advisory to their citizens.

Also Read: Many Countries Urge Citizens To Leave West Asia Over Looming Fear Of Regional War

The tit-for-tat game between Israel and Iran started. On Saturday last week, Israel hit Lebanon, killing another of Hezbollah commander. Hezbollah responded with a barrage of some 50 rockets, most of which were intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome, but  several impacts were recognised, especially in the Beit Hillel region.