The Israeli government has taken decisive action, suspending the operations of 28 embassies across the globe amidst escalating tensions with Iran, as reported by Sky News Arabia.
According to the broadcaster, the closure of these diplomatic missions comes in response to threats from Iran, which vowed retaliation following an alleged Israeli attack on its consulate in Damascus.
The decision, as per Kan radio station on Thursday, was made after consultations between the Israeli Foreign Ministry and law enforcement agencies. This move is part of what has been described as an “unprecedented readiness” for an anticipated response from Iran to the Damascus incident, attributed to Israel.
Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), had earlier stated that the military was on high alert for any potential developments in the region.
Israeli Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lior Haiat, when approached by TASS for comment on the evacuation reports, declined to provide any statements. However, a source from Israel informed TASS that reports regarding embassy evacuations were inaccurate.
The tensions were further fueled by a statement from Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on April 4, posted on social media platform X in Hebrew. Khamenei vowed to make Israel “repent” for the airstrike on Tehran’s consular office in Damascus, which resulted in the deaths of 13 individuals, including two Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) generals.
Hagari, in an earlier interview with CNN, clarified that the strike targeted an IRGC military facility, which was purportedly disguised as a civilian building. However, he refrained from attributing responsibility for the strike.
The closure of the embassies underscores the gravity of the situation and the increasing strain between Israel and Iran, as both nations navigate through a delicate diplomatic and security landscape.
