April 12, 2024 (EIRNS)—Israeli and the trans-Atlantic international press blare headlines that Iran could launch missile strikes on Israel within hours. They proclaim their hysteria despite the fact that Iran has signaled it is unlikely to launch any such operation. Now, Israel’s Ynet news and other Israeli media proclaim that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Mossad have approved plans to strike Iran. In addition, the U.S. and Israeli militaries have increased coordination. U.S. Central Command commander Gen. Michael Kurilla arrived in Israel on April 11, met with IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, and visited the Air Force command center in Tel Aviv. Today, he is expected to meet with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and visit an air base.
Ynet reports a Wall Street Journal story that Iran could strike Israel within the next 24-48 hours. Another WSJ source claimed to have been briefed by Iranian officials, who said Tehran had discussed an attack plan, but had not made a final decision to launch it. The Journal claims the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps presented optional plans to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and a consultant in the IRGC said that one option was a strike with medium-range missiles.
Social media accounts affiliated with the IRGC have, in recent hours, posted videos simulating a strike on Israel’s Dimona nuclear reactor in the Negev and on the Haifa airport. An Iranian official earlier said that there could be a strike on desalination plants and power stations, should Israel retaliate. They admit, however, that Khamenei is concerned that a direct strike on Israel would prompt a massive Israeli attack on Iranian infrastructure. “The attack plan has been presented to the Supreme Leader and he is considering its political risk,” the consultant said.
