Israel blocks GPS and recalls soldiers from leave - Risk of attack by Iran
Illustrative photo (photo: Getty Images)
Against the backdrop of the risk of Iran launching a military attack on Israeli territory, GPS signals are being blocked to disrupt potential missile and drone operations. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have also announced the suspension of all leaves for soldiers serving in combat units, according to BBC reports.
Israeli authorities seem to believe an Iranian response is imminent and could come as soon as Friday, which is Quds Day - or Jerusalem Day - the last Friday in the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. On this day, anti-Israel rallies are held, particularly in Iran.
On Thursday, there were disruptions to the GPS system in central parts of Israel, which is a defensive measure to interfere with weapons using it.
IDF spokesman Rear Adm Daniel Hagari confirmed the country is using GPS blocking - which is sometimes referred to as spoofing.
Separately, the IDF has urged people not to panic buy. Writing on X, formerly Twitter, Rear Adm Hagari said: "There is no need to buy generators, store food and withdraw money from ATMs.
The military also called on Israeli citizens to follow official announcements.
Israeli media reported that some embassies of the country were put on alert or evacuated due to possible attacks from Iran.
Threat of war between Iran and Israel
On Monday, April 1, Damascus, the capital of Syria, was hit by a rocket attack. The attack completely destroyed the building of the Iranian consulate. Thirteen people were killed, including senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Mohammad Reza Zahedi.
Iran officially blamed Israel for the attack and promised a harsh response. Israel has not commented on the incident.
The CIA warned that within 48 hours, Iran could launch a military operation against Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that his country would be able to defend itself and would act according to a simple principle: whoever attacks Israel or plans to attack will suffer themselves.
