Israel is already in a "multifront war" with Iran and its proxies, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a cabinet meeting on August 4, as the United States and allies prepared to defend Israel from an expected counterstrike and prevent an even more destructive regional conflict. Tensions have soared following nearly 10 months of war in Gaza and the killing last week of a senior Hizballah commander in Lebanon and the top political leader of Hamas -- deemed a terrorist organization by the U.S. and EU -- in Iran. Tehran and its allies have blamed Israel and threatened retaliation. Hamas says it has begun discussions on choosing a new leader.
U.S., Allies Prepare To Defend Israel; Netanyahu Says Already In 'Multifront War' With Iran
Rockets fired from southern Lebanon are intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome air-defense system over northern Israel on August 4