IDF Orders Soldiers in Foreign Nations to Return to Israel, Amid Fears of Iranian Attack

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has imposed new travel restrictions on its servicemembers due to concerns about potential Iranian retaliation following assassination of Hamas political leer Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

On Monday, Israeli Air Force chief Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar issued an order barring career officers and non-commissioned officers (NCOs) from traveling abro. restriction does not apply to conscripts, according to military statement.

Off-duty soldiers in foreign nations have been ordered to return 

ditionally, Kan news reported that IDF has directed all off-duty soldiers currently in Georgia or Azerbaijan to return to Israel immediately. se countries, particularly Azerbaijan, which shares a direct border with Iran, have been highlighted due to ir proximity to Islamic Republic. According to a report from Times of Israel, military has not confirmed this report but stated that it is continually assessing threats and updating travel guidelines for servicemembers.

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This decision follows heightened tensions in region. Iran and its proxy group, Hezbollah, have issued threats of retaliation after Israel's recent high-profile assassinations. On July 30, Hezbollah's rocket attack in Lebanon killed 12 children and teens in Golan Heights, prompting Israel to target senior Hezbollah commander Fu Shukr in a Beirut airstrike. Hours later, Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas' political leer, was killed in Tehran, a strike for which Israel has neir confirmed nor denied involvement. Iran and Hamas have blamed Israel for assassination.

In response to se threats, United States has bolstered its military presence in region while international airlines have suspended flights to Israel and Lebanon. re are reports suggesting that a major Iranian attack could be imminent, and that it could come within a few days. 

On Friday, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps indicated it might target locations beyond Israel. fear of a wider war breaking out in region, remains high.