Israeli cabinet convenes in preparation for possible Iranian retaliation

Israel's wartime cabinet has been convened following alerts of an imminent retaliatory attack from Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Friday, reported Xinhua.

In a statement, Netanyahu called for a "situation assessment discussion" to address preparations for a potential Iranian attack. The meeting includes Defense Minister Yoav Galant, as well as ministers Benny Gantz, Gadi Eisenkot, and Ron Dermer.

Israel's state-owned Kan TV news reported that Netanyahu's office will hold an 'urgent briefing' for the directors-general of all government ministries later on Friday.

Israel's National Fire & Rescue Services and the police were also holding a situational assessment meeting to discuss preparations for a possible attack, according to a statement released by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir's office.

CBS News, citing two U.S. officials, reported that "a major Iranian attack against Israel was expected as soon as Friday, with possibly dozens of drones and missiles targeting military sites inside the country."

On Friday morning, several countries, including Britain, France, and India, issued warnings advising their citizens to avoid visiting both Israel and Iran.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Spokesman Daniel Hagari said on Thursday that the military is "highly alert" and prepared for any attack.

Iran repeatedly stated it would launch an attack to punish Israel for allegedly killing seven Iranian military advisors in an airstrike on Iran's consulate in Syria on April 1.