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Israel was on high alert on Thursday after Iran threatened retaliation over a recent strike in Syria that killed two Iranian generals. 

 

Meanwhile, the Israeli conflict with Hamas in Gaza continues, with millions displaced and reeling under intense food shortages.

 

In response to the threat, Israel has strengthened its air defences and paused leave for combat units. The United States has also warned of the possibility of an attack by Iran or its allies amidst rising tensions in the Middle East.

 

Also Read: Hamas leader Haniyeh confirms deaths of sons in Gaza, says resolve ‘won’t break’

 

US President Joe Biden has pledged "ironclad" support for Israel despite diplomatic tensions over its military conduct in Gaza. Speaking on Wednesday, he warned that Iran was "threatening to launch a significant attack on Israel."

 

Israel was widely blamed for destroying Iran's consulate building in Damascus on April 1, killing seven Revolutionary Guards, including two generals. Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has since issued a warning that Israel "must be punished and will be punished". One of his advisers also stated that Israeli embassies are "no longer safe."

 

Also Read: Israel vows to eradicate Hamas in Rafah despite US Warnings

 

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz swiftly replied on social media site X that "if Iran attacks from its territory, Israel will respond and attack Iran."

 

Biden said he had told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that "our commitment to Israel's security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad."

 

The US embassy in Israel has announced limitations on the movements of its diplomats due to security concerns. As a precautionary measure, embassy staff and their families are prohibited from engaging in personal travel outside the Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Beersheeva areas "until further notice."