CNN: The Islamic Republic is still considering how to respond to Israel; Hezbollah may act sooner

CNN reported, citing two informed sources, that the Islamic Republic is still considering how to respond to Israel, but it increasingly appears that Hezbollah may independently and sooner attack Israel than the Iranian government. According to the report, Hezbollah is currently planning an attack on Israel and is likely to implement its plan in the coming days, while the Islamic Republic is still examining how to respond to the killing of Ismail Haniyeh and 'intends to consider U.S. expectations in its attack on Israel.' CNN noted that due to Lebanon's proximity to Israel, Hezbollah can attack the country without prior notice, whereas the Iranian government does not have such an advantage. Some officials believe that the Islamic Republic and Hezbollah may not be fully coordinated on how to proceed and how to act against Israel. Axios also reported on Wednesday, August 8, that Israel informed the United States in recent days that if Hezbollah attacks Israeli civilians, the group will face a decisive and 'disproportionate' response. Hezbollah's threats against Israel became more serious after Israel killed Fouad Shukr, a senior commander of Hezbollah, in Beirut. The Islamic Republic also holds Israel responsible for the killing of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, although Israel has neither confirmed nor denied this. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken have had multiple calls with their counterparts in the Middle East, sending messages aimed at de-escalating tensions to the leaders and foreign ministers of Jordan, Qatar, and Egypt. Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, said on Wednesday that several members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation agree with Washington that escalating tensions between Israel and the Islamic Republic will only prolong and intensify the crisis in the region and could jeopardize the prospect of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. The Israeli Foreign Minister called for the death of the new Hamas leader and the eradication of this organization. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation held Israel 'responsible for the killing of Ismail Haniyeh' and condemned this action. The Chief of Staff of the Israeli Army stated: 'We will find Sinwar; this new title does not change the fact that he is a 'killer.' Israel is on high alert following threats from the Islamic Republic and Hezbollah; Netanyahu stated: 'We will strike our enemies and defend ourselves.' The U.S. Defense Secretary warned proxies: 'The United States will not tolerate attacks on its forces in the Middle East.' The Middle East is at risk of escalating crisis; U.S. F-18 and F-22 jets have been dispatched to the region.