Netanyahu: Israel Prepares for Scenarios in 'Areas Other than Gaza'

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, emphasized on Thursday, April 23, amid escalating threats from the Iranian regime and the increasing likelihood of conflict spreading in the region, that Israel will continue its war in Gaza, while simultaneously preparing for scenarios in other areas. After visiting the 'Tel Nof' airbase in southern Israel, Netanyahu stated, 'Anyone who harms us, we will harm them back. We are ready to meet all of Israel's security needs, whether defensive or offensive.' Israel is prepared for potential retaliatory attacks from the Islamic Republic. The Iranian government has threatened to retaliate for an attack attributed to Israel on the 13th of Farvardin against its consulate in Damascus, which resulted in the deaths of several commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Khamenei stated on Wednesday that Israel must be punished for this attack and will be punished. Israeli officials say they are prepared for any potential direct attack on Israel from Iranian territory and will retaliate directly against Iran if such an attack occurs. Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday that U.S. support for Israel against Iranian threats is 'ironclad.' He referred to the Iranian regime's threats against Israel, saying, 'They threaten to carry out a significant attack against Israel. As I told Benjamin Netanyahu, our commitment to Israel's security against these threats from Iran and its proxy forces is ironclad.' Netanyahu made his remarks while Israeli soldiers and fighter jets launched operations in central Gaza aimed at destroying the infrastructure of Palestinian armed groups. The Israeli army also reported 'targeted operations' against Hamas in the outskirts of Nuseirat in central Gaza. According to the Times of Israel, the ground forces of the Israeli army have not yet conducted operations in this area during the ongoing war. The report states that prior to the maneuver of armored brigade forces of the 162nd division, the 'Nahal' infantry brigade, and other units in the area, the Israeli Air Force and the 215th artillery regiment conducted attacks against dozens of Hamas-related targets, including tunnels of this group. The Israeli army announced that these attacks were carried out following intelligence indicating the 'presence of terrorist infrastructure and many terrorists in the area.' After the terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the hostage-taking of more than 250 others, Israel began its invasion of Gaza with the aim of destroying this Islamist group supported by the Islamic Republic and freeing the hostages. Hamas officials have repeatedly emphasized that they will carry out similar attacks if they are able. The United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, Israel, and several other countries have listed Hamas as a terrorist organization. The Israeli army states that it has begun 'targeted operations' in central Gaza. Israeli media: Army forces killed the sons of Haniyeh without Netanyahu's and military commanders' knowledge. The Middle East is at risk of 'crisis expansion'; the U.S. message to the Islamic Republic through Arab allies: avoid escalating tensions with Israel. Blog | Israel warns the people of Lebanon: we will confront the continued escalation of tensions by Hezbollah with full force. The commander of CENTCOM is on the verge of a trip to Israel; the potential attack by the Islamic Republic and its proxy groups on Israel is the focus of discussions.