Israel Braces for Potential Regional Conflict with Iran and Proxies

Israel is preparing for potential attacks from Iran and its allies by fortifying infrastructure, moving hazardous materials, and ensuring the readiness of bomb shelters and medical facilities. The urgency has increased due to recent escalations, and the government is taking measures to protect its citizens and maintain critical services.

Israel's ambulance service has stocked blood supplies in a fortified underground centre, factories have moved out hazardous materials, and municipal authorities are checking bomb shelters and water supplies as the country waits for a threatened attack from Iran and its proxies.

Israel has been fortifying its home front for months, with many preparations in place since the start of the war in Gaza last October. The urgency has surged recently as a contained conflict with Iran-backed Hezbollah in southern Lebanon threatens to escalate into a regional war.

'I know that the citizens of Israel are on alert, and I ask of you one thing - keep patient and cool,' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said while meeting new army recruits. 'We are prepared for both defence and attack, we are striking our enemies and are also determined to defend ourselves,' he said.

(With inputs from agencies.)