JERUSALEM 

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant called Monday for preparing for a “quick transition to offense" in case an Iranian attack against Tel Aviv following last week’s assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh.

"We must prepare for all possibilities, including a quick transition to offense," Gallant said as he visited the army’s Air Force command center as cited by a statement released by his office.

Gallant claimed that Israel’s enemies are "carefully considering their steps thanks to the abilities" of the Israeli Air Force.

Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran on July 31 after attending the swearing-in ceremony of Iran’s new president. Hamas and Iran accused Israel of carrying out Haniyeh’s assassination, while Tel Aviv has not denied or confirmed its responsibility.

Israel is on high alert for a potential military response from Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah, which also vowed to retaliate following the death of senior commander Fouad Shukr in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut last week.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar