Israel prepares for potential strikes on Lebanon, Iran, says minister

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Galant has said that the Jewish state is closely monitoring the latest developments in Lebanon and Iran in light of rising tensions in the Middle East and is ready for any scenarios.

"I am aware of the tensions and the enormous burden placed on the citizens of Israel. We are monitoring what is happening in Beirut, Tehran and other places," the minister said during a visit to a military intelligence base in northern Israel, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

"We are engaged in both eliminating threats and preparing for any possible options so that we can attack where we decide," Gallant added.

Tensions in the Middle East have sharply escalated following the death of Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the political bureau of the radical Palestinian movement Hamas, in Tehran, and the killing of Fuad Shukr, a commander of Hezbollah's military wing, in Beirut. Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah have blamed Israel for these incidents and vowed to retaliate.