CBS News: The Iranian government may attack Israel with over 100 drones and dozens of missiles on Friday

CBS News reported, citing two American officials, that the Islamic Republic may carry out a large-scale attack against Israel on Friday. According to these two American officials, the Islamic Republic may launch over 100 drones and dozens of missiles towards military targets inside Israel during this attack. They added that it would be difficult for Israel to defend itself against such a widespread attack. They noted that although the Islamic Republic might conduct a smaller-scale attack to prevent a broader escalation of conflicts, a retaliatory attack by the Iranian government against Israel is 'imminent.' In this context, Sima Shine, a former member of the Israeli Mossad, described the situation in the region as 'dangerous' and stated that she has never been this worried. This former Mossad official said that if the Iranian government decides to directly attack Israel, it might use a range of missiles and drones similar to the attack five years ago on Saudi Arabian oil facilities. Sima Shine believes that in the event of an attack, the Islamic Republic will likely target military objectives in Israel, and if a large number of Israeli citizens are killed or injured during this attack, there is a possibility of a widespread escalation of conflicts. According to this former Mossad member, while neither Iran nor Israel desires a regional war, a miscalculation by either country regarding the existing balance could have severe consequences for the region and the world. Bloomberg reported on Friday, citing 'sources familiar with Western intelligence assessments,' that Israel is preparing for an 'unprecedented direct attack' by the Islamic Republic against its state targets. According to these individuals, who wished to remain anonymous, one of the main scenarios anticipated by Israel and its allies is an attack by the Islamic Republic from Iranian territory against Israel. These intelligence sources added that the Islamic Republic might conduct its attacks using drones and precision-guided missiles within the next 48 hours. These sources indicated that the United States, while intensifying its diplomatic activities to contain tensions, is also preparing defensive measures and has moved additional military assets to the region. Two of these sources told Bloomberg that while Iran, Israel, and the U.S. may exaggerate in their rhetoric, Israel and its allies assume that an attack by the Islamic Republic on Israel is 'imminent.' They noted that significant activity is taking place through behind-the-scenes diplomatic channels. The Wall Street Journal also reported on Thursday, April 23, citing an American official, that 'Israel is preparing for a direct attack from Iran to the south or north of Israel based on information received from the United States.' The newspaper also quoted someone described as a 'source close to the Iranian leadership' stating that discussions about attack plans are ongoing in Iran, but no final decision has been made yet. The Wall Street Journal did not disclose the identity of the American official or the Iranian source. In the course of the attack attributed to Israel on the Iranian consulate in Damascus on April 13, seven senior commanders and members of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were killed. Since then, the leader and other officials of the Islamic Republic have threatened retaliatory attacks against Israel. Meanwhile, the Israeli army spokesperson announced on Thursday that the military forces of this country are fully prepared for an Iranian attack. According to the Times of Israel website, Daniel Hagari stated that Israel is 'on high alert and very prepared for various scenarios, and we are constantly assessing the situation.' He referred to General Michael Kurilla, the head of the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), who has arrived in Israel, stating, 'We are prepared for attack and defense using various capabilities of the Israeli army and also with our strategic partners.' Amid ongoing threats from the leader and other officials of the Islamic Republic, U.S. President Joe Biden emphasized on Wednesday, April 22, that America's support for Israel's security is 'ironclad' and conveyed this in his latest call with the Israeli Prime Minister. Additionally, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urged the Islamic Republic to back down from its position and has sent messages to Tehran through various countries that escalating tensions is not in the interest of any country, including Iran itself. White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre also emphasized on Thursday regarding the possibility of a retaliatory attack by the Islamic Republic in response to the attack attributed to Israel on its consulate in Damascus that the U.S. does not want conflicts in the region to escalate. Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron wrote on social media 'X' that he has contacted Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, the Iranian Foreign Minister, stating that the rulers of Iran should not drag the Middle East into a broader conflict. He considered the possibility of an unintended conflict starting from one of the parties to be plausible and recommended that the Islamic Republic take steps in the opposite direction, i.e., to reduce tensions. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also called for 'maximum restraint' from all parties and avoidance of escalation in a phone conversation with her Iranian counterpart. The German Foreign Ministry quoted her on social media 'X' as saying, 'Preventing further regional escalation is in everyone's interest. We urge all actors in the region to act with maximum responsible restraint.' In the meantime, Russia, which has close relations with the Islamic Republic, has only warned about travel to the Middle East. Netanyahu, while emphasizing the continuation of the war in Gaza, states that he will respond to any attack with an attack. The White House has warned the Islamic Republic not to attack U.S. personnel and facilities under the pretext of 'retaliatory action.' The emphasis on U.S. support for Israel against Iranian threats has also been reiterated by the U.S. Secretary of Defense. Reuters, citing informed sources, reported that the Islamic Republic has assured the U.S. that its response to Israel will be 'limited.' The U.S. has warned the Islamic Republic through several countries that escalating tensions is not in anyone's interest.