Haniye: How Israelis live in fear awaiting Iran’s retaliatory strikes

Emmanuel Ukudolo I Monday, August 05, 2024

 

The Israelis are in a state of anticipation, not knowing what exactly they are waiting for

 

TEL AVIV – There is tension in Israel, with the population very cautious about movements, even in Tel Aviv.

This is coming on the heels of threats by Iran to carry out retaliatory strikes against Israel for assassinating the political leader of the Palestinian Resistant Movement, Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

Haniyeh, who was born in a Palestinian refugee camp and the diplomatic face of the resistance to the decades of Israeli occupation was in Tehran for the inauguration of President Masoud Pezeshkian.

But he was assassinated in his sleep by a short projectile believed to have been fired by agents of the Israeli government.

The procession and protests that heralded his assassination and burial even up till this moment across and beyond the Arab world all testify to the significance of his person.

More troubling is the fact that he was not just a key figure in the negotiations for ceasefire in Gaza –  negotiations were on the table when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returned from his trip in the United States to authorise the brutal murder of Haniyeh.

The perception from this is that Netanyahu does not want peace and wishes to subject Palestine perpetually to domination and siege by Israel.

Secondly, he has U.S backing in executing this condemnable assassination.

Consequently, the Iranians are furious, spoiling for a revenge of deterrence.

Acting Foreign Minister of Iran, Ali Bagheri Kani told the visiting Jordanian Foreign Minister.

“‘Israel’ must receive a harsh response for the assassination of Haniyeh. The violation of Iran’s sovereignty by the crime of assassinating Haniyeh confirms the necessity of a decisive response”, he said.

For President Masoud Pezeskhian,
the assassination of Haniyeh is a grave zionist mistake that will not go without a response.

“The assassination of Haniyeh as a guest in Tehran is a violation of international law, and we hope the world condemns it”, he said.

Reacting to these threats, Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary John Kirby said there is no need to downplay the Iranian threats.

“The Iranian threat is serious, and we must be prepared to protect American and Israeli interests.

“When the Supreme Leader of Iran declares that Iran will take revenge, we must take it seriously. We just don’t know when and how Iran will react” he warned.

Former Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz spoke of the threats too but confident of Israeli military might in the region.

“I suggest everyone to be on alert, these days are tense, and it is wrong to deny it, but remember that we are the most powerful country in the Middle East!”, he assured his people.

But despite Gantz assurance, the mood in Israel is that of total fear.

Netanyahu, the war monger is reported to have decided to stay and sleep at the Defense Ministry headquarters.

The Shin Bet is also reported to be preparing an underground command bunker in Jerusalem for Netanyahu and security leaders to fortify themselves amid anticipation of an Iranian attack.

Eli Cohen held an emergency discussion at the Ministry of Energy, where it was decided to increase the stock of coal and diesel, for fear that the gas platforms would stop working when the rockets start pouring in.

Haifa Municipality has ordered residents to empty containers of hazardous materials from Haifa Bay in anticipation of the outbreak of war.

Besides, the Jerusalem Municipality has advised residents in a statement to clean and prepare their shelters, warning that they must be able to reach the shelters within 90 seconds.

Residents are making purchases and stocking their homes with food stuffs.

Nafise Kuhnavard, a senior BBC correspondent says the Israelis feel defeated because of fear and extreme stress of Iranian retaliation.”

Moreso, when Iran has rejected US and Arab requests to soften its response to the killing of Ismail Haniyeh.

The leader of opposition in Israel, Yair Lapid sums it up this way:

“Now young parents do not visit public parks because they are too far from shelters, and foreign airlines avoid flying to Israel due to loss of trust.

“The Israelis are in a state of anticipation, not knowing what exactly they are waiting for”, he said.