ALBAWABA - According to U.S. and Israeli officials quoted by Axios, Hezbollah may launch an attack on Israel as soon as the next two days. After recent escalation, this action would be Iran and its allies' first reaction.
As it sends some of its top officials to the Middle East, the US is preparing for a crucial and perhaps "dramatic" week, according to a story published by Axios on Saturday. In addition to negotiating a prisoner swap and a truce in Gaza, the goal is to avert a more extensive regional confrontation.
Following the killings of Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in the southern suburbs of Beirut and Hamas political bureau director Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, the United States and Israel are now without a clear timeframe for when Iran and Hezbollah would react.
Two U.S. officials and an Israeli source, however, indicate that the prevailing anticipation is that Hezbollah may take the lead, maybe this weekend.
Israel has raised the alert level of its military and vital infrastructure in reaction to the impending danger. Tehran has threatened to respond with a strike that is "surprising" and "decisive."
According to the Axios story, military preparations are being finalized by the United States, Israel, Britain, France, and numerous Arab states in case diplomatic attempts to defuse the issue are unsuccessful.
For the second time in less than a week, U.S. Central Command head General Michael Kurilla traveled to Israel two days ago to discuss defense tactics.
Simultaneously, officials from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States have encouraged Hamas and Israel to restart indirect talks with the goal of achieving a truce in Gaza and enabling the exchange of prisoners. Next Thursday's discussions are slated to take place in Cairo or Doha.
In closing, Axios said that the results of this crucial week may dictate whether the area descends into a more serious crisis and a longer-lasting, more widespread war, or whether things go in a different direction.
