Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant’s office has confirmed that he discussed Israeli military's readiness in light of Iranian threats with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin.

Israel has called for the evacuation of Palestinians from Beit Hanoun after recent rocket attacks on Sderot and Ashkelon. The attacks were launched from the northern Gaza town, leading Israel to urge residents to seek shelter in Gaza City.

The recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East has taken a dramatic turn following the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. According to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), Haniyeh was killed by a short-range projectile with a warhead, which they allege was fired by Israel. The IRGC has vowed to seek revenge at an appropriate time, further heightening the already volatile situation in the region.

Middle East tensions soared as Iran and its allies readied their response to the assassination of Hamas’s political leader, blamed on Israel, spurring fears of a regional war.

In a recent diplomatic clash, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has strongly condemned Turkey for lowering its flag to half-mast at its embassy in Tel Aviv. This action followed the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, which has sparked a significant diplomatic row between the two nations.