The Impending Retaliation
According to US intelligence, Iran and its “Axis of Resistance” allies. Groups like Hezbollah, are planning a series of retaliatory attacks against Israel. The strikes would likely come in multiple waves. Hezbollah is conducting an initial attack, followed by separate waves from Iran and other allied groups.
Assessing Israel’s Defenses
The first wave of attacks is an attempt by Iran. Its allies to assess Israel’s air defences and adjust their tactics for a potentially larger second wave. Iran has already begun moving missile launchers. And conducting military drills, likely to prepare its forces and munitions for the planned strikes.
Iran’s Long-Term Goal
Beyond the immediate retaliation, Iran and its allies have more extensive plans to destroy the state of Israel. Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, with close ties to Iran, has expressed confidence in Hamas’ ability to continue its fight against Israel. Hezbollah has also developed operations like the “Conquer the Galilee” to conduct ground offensives into Israeli territory as part of Iran’s broader strategy.
The US Perspective
The US has expressed scepticism about Israel’s ability to achieve a total military victory over Hamas. They also warn that the group will likely return to power in Gaza even if Israel achieves tactical successes. The US is pushing for a political solution, but ceasefire negotiations have stalled, with Hamas introducing new demands that Israel has not accepted.
A Volatile Situation Ahead
In summary, Iran and its Axis of Resistance allies are poised to launch imminent retaliatory attacks against Israel, likely in a multi-wave format, as part of their broader objective to erode and eventually destroy the Israeli state. However, the US believes a purely military approach will not be sufficient to defeat Hamas and other Iranian-backed groups in the long run, underscoring the complexity and volatility of the situation.
