‘Imminent’ Iranian attack on Israel expected; PM Netanyahu calls Israelis to obey IDF’s safety instructions

The U.S. government informed Israel on Tuesday evening that the Iranian regime is planning to launch ballistic missiles at Israel in the immediate timeframe.

An unnamed senior White House official told Israeli and U.S. media that an attack was expected “imminently,” while The New York Times cited a military official saying the U.S. believed an attack would come within the next 12 hours, likely after dark, and could involve include drones and cruise missiles.

“A short time ago, our partners in the US informed us that they have identified Iran’s preparations to fire missiles at the State of Israel in the near future. At this time, no air threat launched from Iran is identified,” stated IDF Spokesman Brig.-Gen. Daniel Hagari.

“We have faced this type of threat in the past, and we will face it now. I call on the public to continue to behave responsibly as you have done throughout the war,” Hagari said, calling on the citizens to follow the IDF’s safety instructions.

“We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack,” the U.S. official said. “A direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran.”

Three additional aircraft squadrons - F-15E, F-16, and A-10 - are arriving in the region with one squadron having already arrived. pic.twitter.com/SO04FNvVcd

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) October 1, 2024

United States Central Command (CENTCOM) stated in the evening that “three additional aircraft squadrons – F-15E, F-16, and A-10s – are arriving in the region with one squadron having already arrived.”

Hagari reiterated the IDF’s readiness to defend the State of Israel, with cooperation from the United States.

“We are at peak readiness in attack and defense, we are at very high readiness, along with our partners from the U.S., and are following the progress from Iran,” he said.

The warnings came after the IDF Home Front Command issued stricter guidelines for central Israel and Jerusalem earlier in the day, without offering further explanation.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu published a short video message in the early evening, calling on Israeli citizens to show unity amid the threats against the Jewish nation.

“Citizens of Israel, we are in the midst of a campaign against Iran's axis of evil. Yesterday, I said that these were days of great achievements and great challenges: Great achievements because we eliminated Nasrallah and his senior command, as well as Hezbollah's plan to seize the Galilee,” said Netanyahu.

“But there are also great challenges. I ask of you two things: First, strictly follow the directives of Home Front Command; it saves lives.”

“Second, stand together. Together we will stand steadfast in the trying days ahead of us. Together we will stand. Together we will fight and together we will win,” the prime minister concluded.

Israeli media reported that Israeli security leadership, including Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and the IDF high command, had been conducting continuous security assessments at the IDF’s Kirya headquarters in Tel Aviv since the afternoon.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is reportedly taking a stroll from his Jerusalem office to visit an encampment of his supporters nearby. pic.twitter.com/1r5ndx6tA5

— Avi Mayer אבי מאיר (@AviMayer) October 1, 2024

Meanwhile, Netanyahu and Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer were spotted taking a stroll from the Prime Minister’s Office to a nearby encampment of families of fallen soldiers, in a possible message to the Iranian regime.

Ynet News reported that Netanyahu later called Russian President Vladimir Putin, requesting that he use his influence over the Iranian regime to prevent an attack.

According to the New York Times, the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem instructed its employees to return home and prepare to shelter in place.