(NewsNation) — Iran could attack Israel within days, according to a new assessment from the Israeli intelligence community.
First reported by Axios political reporter Barak Ravid, two sources in the community believe Iran plans to “attack Israel directly” in retaliation “for the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh,” according to Ravid.
An Iranian retaliation may occur “even before the August 15 hostage deal talks,” Ravid added.
Reuters and the Jerusalem Post have also reported on the timing of an attack by Iran, citing two sources familiar with the matter.
Iran, Hamas blame Israel for Haniyeh’s death
Haniyeh was killed on July 31 in Iran, by a presumed Israeli strike. Israel has not claimed or denied responsibility for the killing.
Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind of the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel, has since been appointed as Hamas’ new leader.
Expected retaliation for the leader’s passing has heightened tensions in the region, with world leaders hopeful the attacks will not occur before the next round of cease-fire discussions.
Iranian leaders promise revenge
In a statement to Reuters, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned Iran and its Lebanon-based proxy Hezbollah: “Whoever harms us in a way that has not been done in the past, is likely to be hit in a way that hasn’t been done in the past.”
Cited by Iranian media, Revolutionary Guards deputy commander Ali Fadavi said on Friday that the Iranian supreme leader’s orders regarding the harsh punishment of Israel and revenge for Haniyeh are clear and will be implemented in the “best possible way”.
China supports potential Iranian retaliation
According to a statement by China’s foreign ministry, the republic supports Iran in defending its “sovereignty, security and national dignity.” Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi shared this support via phone call with Iran’s acting foreign minister, Ali Bagheri Kani, on Sunday.
Wang told Kani that the killing of Haniyeh had “directly undermined the Gaza ceasefire negotiation process and undermined regional peace and stability,” China’s foreign ministry said.
Reuters contributed to this report. This is a developing story, refresh for updates.