White House: President Obama and Netanyahu discussed “new defensive US military operations” during their phone call. Hezbollah launches rockets against the north for the first time since its commander was killed.

Israel Defense Forces said Thursday that it is on “high alert”, as the country prepares for a possible response to this week’s assassinations of Hezbollah military chief in Beirut, and Hamas leader in Tehran. But its spokesman assured the public that the military can handle any threat.

Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to US President Joe Biden who, according to the White House, stressed America’s commitment in defending Israel against “all threats from Iran”. The two also discussed new US military deployements to protect Israel from possible attacks by ballistic missiles or drones.

The phone call between the allied leaders and the Iranians came at the same time that Israeli television reported Israel’s efforts to coordinate a regional and global coalition to stop a possible response from Iran and Hezbollah in response to the deaths of Ismail Haniyeh, and Fuad Shukr. This was also the case last April when Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones against Israel.

Leaders of Hamas and Iran vowed revenge on Israel for Haniyeh’s death during a funeral processional for him held in Tehran, Thursday morning. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah stated later that day that Israel’s war had entered a new phase and Israel could expect “rage” and “revenge.”

Israel has not commented officially on the killing of Haniyeh by Hamas and its allies, despite the fact that the IDF claimed responsibility.

When asked Thursday night about Haniyeh, IDF Spokesman Rear Admir. Daniel Hagari replied: “We struck in Lebanon on Tuesday and killed Fuad Schukr with an accurate aerial attack.” I want to stress that there was no other Israeli drone or missile in the Middle East on Tuesday night.

The New York Times had reported earlier that a remote-controlled, sophisticated bomb, which was smuggled into the Hamas leader’s room in the Tehran guesthouse, where he was staying, about two months prior, was the cause of the explosion, which killed Haniyeh, and his bodyguard, early on Wednesday morning.

Since the start of the war. Hagari said that the conflict was sparked off by Hamas’s attack on October 7. “Israel has proven that it can deal with threats and respond with a powerful attack.

Home Front Command guidelines are unchanged for the time being, he said. “We keep our finger on pulse at all times.”

“We have excellent defense systems and international allies who have bolstered forces in the region to help us combat these threats,” Hagari stated.

He stressed, however, that Israel’s defenses were “not hermetic.”

He told the Israeli people to “be vigilant and follow the instructions from the Home Front Command”, adding that the military would update the public immediately if any changes were made.

Hagari stated that the IDF was “on high alert in both defense and attack.” IDF troops have been deployed on land, in the air and at sea. They are prepared for any situation, especially since they plan to launch attacks immediately.

A Channel 12 TV report stated that in addition to increased aerial surveillance, dozens of Israeli Air Force jets were waiting for an attack, or to defend themselves against one.

As a precaution, the IDF also monitors and limits hazardous material transportation to several factories located in northern Israel. According to a source in the military, the Home Front Command did not order any of the factories involved to cease operations.

Ynet reported on Wednesday that Strauss ice-cream factory in Acre had to halt its operations after being told to remove the ammonia it uses. This gas could be dangerous to the public if a rocket attack were to occur.

The Home Front Command keeps in constant contact with all factories, including through daily audits as well as ongoing situation assessments with the local authorities and Environmental Protection Ministry. The IDF responded to a question by saying that this is done to maintain readiness, and to get a complete picture of the hazardous materials.

Israel warned that if any civilians are injured, the shackles would be removed.

Hezbollah launched its first attack on Israel since Shukr was killed, and claimed responsibility for rockets fired at Western Galilee Thursday night.

Hezbollah released a statement claiming to have fired dozens of rockets into the northern border town of Metzuba as a response to a strike by Israel in the Lebanese Chamaa village earlier that day. The attack reportedly resulted in the deaths of four Syrians, and the injuries of several Lebanese citizens.

Later, the IDF said that it had struck a Hezbollah launcher used to fire a barrage in Yater, southern Lebanon.

According to the IDF several of the rockets that were launched during the attack were intercepted and others hit open areas. No injuries were reported.

An earlier report by Channel 12 without attribution claimed that Israel had sent a message to Hezbollah via Arabs and other regional third-parties, saying that the Lebanese terrorist group, which killed 12 children on Saturday in Majdal Hams, Israel had responded with a strike against a military target called Shukr. The Israeli message said that if Hezbollah responded, it would be “army versus army.” If you begin to strike civilian targets, it will be a war against Hezbollah and Israel will feel unconstrained.

The TV report said that Israel could not target civilians but instead target Lebanese infrastructure in Beirut. Reports said the goal of the message was to limit Hezbollah.

Channel 12 cited a senior Israeli source, who was not named, as saying that the high level of military preparations for a possible attack could continue for several days. The source stated that Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, “could try to respond quickly,” but the Iranians could take longer to decide on “how and when” they will respond.

Biden was also expected, according to the report, to pressure Netanyahu in his phone call with Netanyahu to use Israel’s recent achievements and to show flexibility when negotiating a ceasefire/hostage agreement with Hamas. The report stated that Netanyahu is confident that Hamas has only been flexible due to military pressure and that it is not time to let up on the gas.

The statement said: “The President reaffirmed his commitment for Israel’s safety against all threats, including those from Iran and its proxy terrorist groups Hamas Hezbollah and the Houthis.”