In a crucial move, President Joe Biden convened with his national security team amid looming threats of an Iranian attack on Israel.

President Joe Biden's urgent meeting in the highly secure Situation Room highlights escalating tensions following threats from Iran and Hezbollah's recent attacks, as the Daily Mail reports.

Amid rising Middle East tensions, President Biden met with his national security team on Monday. This decision followed top Western diplomats' warnings that Iran could attack Israel within the next 24 to 48 hours, potentially escalating into broader regional conflict.

Recent events contributing to this escalation include a significant assault by Hezbollah, which resulted in injuries to two Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers. This attack, part of a string of hostilities, has intensified the stakes in the region.

Secretary of State Anthony Blinken recently addressed the G7 leaders, revealing that the anticipated attack from Iran is a direct response to the Israeli assassinations of Hamas leaders Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Fuad Shukr in Beirut.

US Reinforces Support Amid Growing Hostilities

Following the alarming developments, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III assured Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant of continued US support. This conversation underscored the gravity of the situation and the United States' commitment to Israel's security amidst the burgeoning crisis.

This would not be the first direct confrontation between Iran and Israel, recalling the missile and drone attack that took place in April. General Hossein Salami of Iran's Revolutionary Guard, reinforcing Iran's stance, has issued explicit threats against Israel.

Further compounding the tension, Hezbollah launched 30 missiles from Lebanon towards Israel, all of which were intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome defense system. This event followed their earlier assault that injured Israeli troops and sparked fires in northern Israel.

Hezbollah Asserts Retaliation for Israeli Actions

In a statement, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for targeting a military base in northern Israel, describing it as a response to Israeli operations in southern Lebanon. This reflects the cycle of retaliation that has characterized the conflict, leading to fears of a broader war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has taken a firm stance, asserting that Israel is ready for any scenario and framing the current situation as a "multi-front war."

Despite these assertions, Netanyahu faces criticism for allegedly not pursuing genuine ceasefire efforts.

Middle East expert Andreas Krieg has pointed out that the assassinations have derailed months of mediation led by the US, Qatar, and Egypt, aimed at de-escalating tensions in the region.

Global Response and Calls for De-Escalation

Many of Israel's allies, including the US, are actively working to de-escalate the situation. The G7 ministers have voiced concerns about the potential for a broader conflict and have called for restraint from all parties involved.

Amidst these international calls for calm, countries like Japan and Turkey have advised their citizens to evacuate Lebanon, indicating the perceived risk of widespread violence.

The U.S. has bolstered its military presence in the region and is urging G7 members to exert diplomatic pressure on Israel, Iran, and Hezbollah to prevent further escalation.

Repercussions of the Oct. 7 Attack and Israeli Retaliation

In retaliation for an attack on Oct. 7, which resulted in 1,197 casualties, Israel has vowed to dismantle Hamas. This attack also involved the abduction of 251 hostages, intensifying the crisis.

Israel's military responses have led to a staggering toll of 39,583 fatalities in Gaza, as reported by the Gaza health ministry, illustrating the severe human cost of the conflict.

The statements from Iranian and Hezbollah officials underscore the deeply entrenched hostilities, with Iran asserting its 'legal right' to retaliate and Hezbollah describing its missile strikes as defensive actions against Israeli aggressions.