The United States embassy in Jerusalem issued a statement on Jan. 6 warning of possible rocket attacks from Iran in response to the U.S. killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani in an airstrike on Jan. 3, the Times of Israel (TOI) reported.
The embassy’s statement read: “Out of an abundance of caution, the embassy strongly encourages U.S. citizens to remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness, as security incidents, including rocket fire, often take place without warning.” The embassy also urged American citizens to follow all instructions from Israeli officials if red alert sirens sound.
Similarly, the Chabad Lubavitch Security Commission issued a warning on Jan. 2 that the Soleimani killing could result in an increased risk of Chabad centers and other Jewish institutions being targeted in attacks.
“Although there is no information at this time to suggest a direct threat to Chabad centers as a result of this escalation, as in past conflicts, there exists a concern that the current situation and tensions could contribute to a heightened risk and threat environment for Jewish facilities and Chabad centers,” the Chabad statement read. They encouraged Chabad centers to be particularly vigilant in screening out any suspicious behavior near their centers.
However, Israeli security officials believe that it is unlikely that Iran will attack Israel over the Soleimani killing, according to TOI.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a Jan. 5 statement, “Qassem Soleimani brought about the death of many American citizens and many other innocents in recent decades and at present. Soleimani initiated, planned and carried out many terrorist attacks throughout the Middle East and beyond. President Trump is deserving of all esteem for taking determined, strong and quick action. I would like to reiterate — Israel fully stands alongside the U.S. in the just struggle for security, peace and self-defense.”
However, Netanyahu told his security cabinet that Israel should stay out of any fallout regarding the Soleimani killing, as it was solely “a U.S. event.”
BREAKING: Netanyahu told security cabinet that Israel wasn't involved in the killing of Soleimani and stressed "it is a U.S. event and we should stay out of it", according to 2 cabinet ministers who attended the meeting
— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) January 6, 2020
