The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has imposed new travel restrictions on its servicemembers due to concerns about potential Iranian retaliation following the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.
On Monday, Israeli Air Force chief Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar issued an order barring career officers and non-commissioned officers (NCOs) from traveling abroad. The restriction does not apply to conscripts, according to the military statement.
Off-duty soldiers in foreign nations have been ordered to return
Additionally, Kan news reported that the IDF has directed all off-duty soldiers currently in Georgia or Azerbaijan to return to Israel immediately. These countries, particularly Azerbaijan, which shares a direct border with Iran, have been highlighted due to their proximity to the Islamic Republic. According to a report from the Times of Israel, the military has not confirmed this report but stated that it is continually assessing threats and updating travel guidelines for servicemembers.
Here is what you need to know
This decision follows heightened tensions in the region. Iran and its proxy group, Hezbollah, have issued threats of retaliation after Israel’s recent high-profile assassinations. On July 30, Hezbollah’s rocket attack in Lebanon killed 12 children and teens in the Golan Heights, prompting Israel to target senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in a Beirut airstrike. Hours later, Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas’ political leader, was killed in Tehran, a strike for which Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement. Iran and Hamas have blamed Israel for the assassination.
In response to these threats, the United States has bolstered its military presence in the region while international airlines have suspended flights to Israel and Lebanon. There are reports suggesting that a major Iranian attack could be imminent, and that it could come within a few days.
On Friday, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps indicated it might target locations beyond Israel. The fear of a wider war breaking out in the region, remains high.
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