Indian embassy alerts nationals in Israel amid rising regional tensions

New Delhi: On Friday, August 2, the Embassy of India in Israel issued an advisory for Indian nationals residing in the country, urging them to remain vigilant and adhere to local safety protocols. This advisory comes in the wake of escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Lebanon, and increased hostility from Iran.

Tensions with Lebanon surged following a tragic incident on July 28, where a rocket strike killed 12 children on a soccer field in the Golan Heights. In response, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) targeted a Hezbollah rocket launcher in Yater, southern Lebanon, which was being used to launch attacks on the Western Galilee. The IDF's counterattack resulted in the death of Fuad Shukr, Hezbollah’s military chief, in Beirut.

Adding to the regional instability, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran last month. While Iran and Hamas have accused Israel of the assassination, Israel has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement. Haniyeh, a key figure in Hamas’ international diplomacy, was attending Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s swearing-in ceremony when he was killed by a missile strike.

Embassy of India in Israel tweets, "In view of the prevailing situation in the region, all Indian nationals in Israel are advised to stay vigilant and adhere to the safety protocols as advised by the local authorities" pic.twitter.com/AAZGsR4aCA

— ANI (@ANI) August 2, 2024

Iran's response and potential for escalation

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has ordered a direct assault on Israel in retaliation for Haniyeh’s assassination, further raising fears of a broader conflict. This development follows a near all-out war in April, when Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones in response to an Israeli airstrike on its embassy in Syria, which killed several Iranian military commanders.

The assassination of Haniyeh, coupled with the death of Fuad Shukr, significantly increases the risk of a dangerous escalation in Israel’s ongoing conflict in Gaza and could potentially lead to a larger regional conflict involving Israel, Iran, and their respective allies.

Official advisory

In light of these developments, the Embassy of India in Israel posted on X: "In view of the prevailing situation in the region, all Indian nationals in Israel are advised to stay vigilant and adhere to the safety protocols as advised by the local authorities."

Indian nationals in Israel are urged to stay informed and cautious during this period of heightened tensions.