Israel Museum transfers valuable artworks to safe location ahead of imminent Iran attack

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The Israel Museum in Jerusalem announced on Monday that it has begun transferring rare and valuable artwork to an undisclosed safe location as the Jewish state is expecting an imminent Iranian-led attack.

The Israel Museum, which ranks among the world’s leading museums, reportedly moved valuable art pieces of Vincent van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, and Paul Cézanne. For example, Gauguin’s painting "Landscape with a Dog" (1903) was replaced with a sign stating, “Temporarily Removed,” and Van Gogh’s priceless painting “Wheat Harvest in Provence” (1888) was replaced with a sign reading "Exhibit in Preparation."

The unique and historically significant Dead Sea Scrolls were already moved by the museum at the start of the war in Gaza, which recently surpassed the 10-month mark.

"The Israel Museum has taken precautionary measures, relocating masterpieces to storage to protect them, out of commitment and responsibility for its collections," the museum said in an official statement. The museum already confirmed that its most valuable pieces have been moved to a secure location.

Visitors to the museum noted that some precious artwork appeared to be in the process of relocation, which caused some to have mixed feelings.

“It was difficult for me to see the artworks being taken down at the Israel Museum,” said Alex Tanzer, a resident of Jerusalem. “But I understand that we need to protect the art, as Hamas, Iran, and Hezbollah prioritize destruction and killing. I hope that after the war, the Israel Museum will display even more works.”

In April, Iran launched an attack against Israel, using more than 300 drones, missiles and rockets . Israel and an American-led international coalition neutralized 99% of the incoming aerial projectiles. Some projectiles that reached Jerusalem were intercepted over the Temple Mount, which is a religiously significant site for Jews, Muslims, and Christians.

The Iranian regime and its Lebanese terror proxy Hezbollah have vowed a new “revenge” attack on Israel following the recent assassination of Hezbollah top commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut and Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Israel has not denied nor confirmed responsibility for Haniyeh's death.

U.S. and Israeli officials initially believed that Iran and its allies would strike Israel last week. However, American diplomatic pressure and domestic Iranian disagreements seem to have delayed the anticipated attack.

The Iranian regime has long embraced a long-term strategy of patience when it comes to international affairs. Ahmad Bakhshayesh Ardestani, an Iranian lawmaker and member of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security Commission, recently announced that an Iranian attack on Israel would come by "surprise" and could last several days.

He further noted that it was an advantage for Tehran that Israel “feels every night that it is in limbo" as part of the revenge. ”

On Monday, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen Herzi Halevi greenlighted battle plans for “various fronts” during a meeting with top Israeli military leaders. He also said there are indications that the Iranian military is currently preparing to launch an attack at Israel.

The Israeli military emphasized the continuation of high readiness and assessment efforts for both attack and defense.