04 Apr 2024 | 01:37 PM UTC
Israel: Authorities increase security in anticipation of possible attack from Iran and its proxies as of April 4
Israeli officials enhance security measures nationwide over possible attacks from Iran and its proxies as of April 4.
The Israeli government has increased security measures nationwide in anticipation of possible attacks from Iran and its proxies in the region as of April 4. Authorities are instituting these measures due to concerns over the Israeli government's alleged strike against the Iranian Consulate in Damascus on April 1. Tehran has vowed revenge after at least seven members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including Brig. Gen. Mohammad Reza Zahedi, who served as Iran's top military commander for Syria and Lebanon.
As the threat of attacks from Iran and its proxies remains, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has bolstered its air defense systems and mobilized additional reserve forces. The IDF has also canceled leave for all combat troops. The government has also extended the global positioning system (GPS) jamming to central Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
The jamming results in disruptions to navigation, payment, and delivery applications. The GPS jamming has been in place for some areas of Israel since Hamas' militant attack in Israel in October but its extension to populated areas comes amid retaliation threats from Iran. GPS map services are showing users who are in Israel in neighboring countries. For example, people in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv are displayed as if they are in Cairo or Beirut.
The GPS jamming is a deliberate action on the part of the Israeli government to offset drone attacks by militia and militant groups that are attacking Israel. As the conflict in Gaza continues, further disruptions to location-based applications are likely.
As the threat of an attack from Iran remains, officials could announce sudden movement restrictions or evacuations in parts of Israel over the coming hours and days. The movement of military personnel and checkpoints will also likely disrupt travel along primary and secondary road routes. Utilities, including power and water supply, could be impacted. In the event of a major attack, disruptions at airports and public transport hubs cannot be ruled out.
Consider avoiding nonessential travel near the Israel-Lebanon-Syria border until the situation stabilizes. Monitor local media and abide by security forces' directives. If incoming mortar rounds or rockets are reported or warning sirens sound in the general vicinity, report to the nearest bomb shelter and await further instructions from authorities. If there is no shelter nearby, stay indoors and away from windows and exterior walls. If possible, move to a ground floor or basement. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Reconfirm the status of transport services before departure. Review and update contingency plans.
The strike against the Iranian Consulate in Damascus came following a drone attack in Eilat in the early hours of April 1. The drone, which Iraqi Shi'a militias claimed, struck a building at a naval base causing damage. The strike against the diplomatic mission also came following months of cross-border violence between the IDF and Lebanese Hizballah (LH), which is a close ally of Tehran. While the Israeli government has yet to claim responsibility, Iran and its proxies have blamed Israel. The Israeli government has declared its intent to target any group that harms its interests in the Middle East.
Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, issued a warning in Hebrew on April 3, stating that Israel would regret its decision to bomb the Iranian Consulate in Damascus and that “God’s willing, we will make the Zionists regret their crime of aggression."
