Israel Prepares a Strike, Mpox Variant, and North Korean Troops in Russia

Tipping Point Quick Hits (10.24.24)

Israel is Preparing a Military Strike on Iran

When Iran launched 180 ballistic missiles at Israel on Oct. 1, it knew the aggressive action would invite a response from Israel. Whenever that strike arrives, the regional conflict—which has been simmering for more than a year since the Hamas attack—will likely boil over.

Everyone knows the attack will come. We just don’t know when.

Last week, classified U.S. intelligence documents were leaked on the Telegraph app, and showed satellite images of Israel’s preparations for a strike on Iran. The FBI is investigating the leak as a violation of the Espionage Act.

In April, after unsuccessful airstrikes by Iran, Israel only waited five days to respond. This response timeline has been different, as this article explains:

But various factors may have dictated a longer lead-up to a response this time around, including talks between Israel and the Biden administration, the arrival of a U.S. air defense system and the Jewish holidays. The upcoming U.S. election could also have an impact on Israeli timing.

We also don’t know what will be the targets of Israel’s response strikes: