Israel monitoring developments in Iran, but no change to Home Front guidelines

Israel is monitoring developments in Iran regarding a threatened strike against Israel, but the military has not changed its precautionary guidelines for the public, the Israeli military spokesperson said on Monday.

"We are following what is going on specifically with Iran, with all our capabilities. We are also not following alone. We are following with the United States and other partners," said spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari.

Hagari said that the military has not issued new safety guidelines to the public but, if needed, would update the Home Front about any changes as quickly as possible.

"We take seriously the statements and remarks by our enemies. And therefore, we are at peak preparedness for attack and defence," he said in broadcast comments.

Israel has been bracing for a possible attack by Iran and Hezbollah, in Lebanon after a sharp escalation in tensions following a missile strike that killed 12 youngsters in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights on July 27.

In the wake of that attack, Israel killed a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut. A day later, the political leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, was assassinated in Tehran, drawing vows of retaliation from Iran.

U.S. President Joe Biden walks to the Oval Office from Marine One as he returns to the White House in Washington, U.S., August 12, 2024. (Photo: REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz)

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden spoke on Monday to the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, and the UK to discuss de-escalating tensions in the Middle East and a ceasefire in Gaza, a White House spokesperson said.

In a joint statement released by the White House on Monday, the leaders of all five countries said they endorsed a call from the United States, Qatar, and Egypt for a renewal of talks for a Gaza ceasefire to conclude a deal as soon as possible.

They "stressed there is no further time to lose," the statement said.

The statement also expressed support for Israel against any Iranian threat while urging the distribution and delivery of aid to Gaza.

Sky News also reported that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with the Iranian President as part of efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East.