Iran expected to attack Israel as early as Monday, US officials arrive in Middle East - report

The Iranian attack on Israel in response to the assassination of Hamas political bureau leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran last week is expected to come as early as Monday, three US and Israeli officials told Axios reporter Barak Ravid on Sunday. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of US Central Command, arrived in the Middle East early Sunday morning amid Hezbollah and Iran's threats against Israel, Walla reported on Sunday, citing two senior US officials. The aim of the visit, which was planned before the current escalation, is to prepare a coalition to counter such threats, the report added. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had approved sending additional Navy cruisers and destroyers – which can shoot down ballistic missiles – to the Middle East and Europe. The US military also intensified deployments prior to April 13, when Iran launched an attack on Israeli territory with drones and missiles.