Insights

TEL AVIV — Israel is on high alert for a possible multiday retaliatory attack from Iran and Hezbollah after the recent assassinations of two senior militant leaders, Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas and Fuad Shukr of Hezbollah. An Israeli official indicated to NBC News that the nation is bracing for a barrage of missiles and drones, fearing that the attacks could extend over several days. This development adds to the ongoing tensions in the region, which have escalated significantly during the 10-month-long Israel-Hamas conflict. The Israeli military's targeted strike on Shukr in Beirut's southern suburbs last Tuesday resulted in the deaths of three civilians, including two children, and left 74 others injured, according to the Lebanese health ministry. Hezbollah has denied any involvement in the attack. Shortly after, reports emerged of Haniyeh's assassination in Tehran, where he was attending the inauguration of Iran's new president, Masoud Pezeshkian. The Iranian president remarked that the killings would hinder U.S. efforts to broker a cease-fire in Gaza. As diplomatic efforts continue, Israeli negotiators left Cairo without achieving a breakthrough in discussions aimed at de-escalating the situation. Meanwhile, Hezbollah's leader warned that Israel would face consequences for its actions. The international community remains concerned about the potential for a broader regional conflict, particularly following the devastating Hamas attack on October 7, which resulted in significant casualties and kidnappings.