In a sign that security conditions are rapidly escalating and extremely dangerous in the Middle East, the United States of America has urged its citizens to leave Lebanon immediately.

An Israeli security official stated to Channel 14 that Israel will launch a strong attack on Iran and that it is essential to prepare for a retaliatory strike with Tehran.

The remarks from the high-ranking security official came on Monday evening, in response to reports indicating that Iran would contain a moderate Israeli response, and that Israel would aggressively attack Iran, necessitating readiness for a counter-strike with Tehran.

The official said: “The response will be strong and not moderate, and thus we estimate a high likelihood that Iran will retaliate, and of course, if that is the case, Israel must be ready to respond to the new retaliation.”

The Israeli official emphasized that “the harsh Iranian response could lead the United States to join the war: we must prepare for a significant exchange of strikes, which could draw the Americans into it, something that Iran certainly does not want.”

The Israeli Ministry of Defense confirmed that an American THAAD missile defense battery will be deployed in Israel in the coming days.

On October 1st, Iran launched an attack with approximately 200 ballistic missiles on 3 major Israeli military airbases and bases used by Mossad as a “assassination center.”

The Iranian attack targeted Negev Air Force Base and Hatzerim Air Force Base, which were used to assassinate Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, as well as strategic radars and gathering centers for tanks and armored vehicles and Israeli soldiers near Gaza.