As fears of Iranian attack grow, Israel calls up soldiers, disrupts GPS

Fear of an Iranian retaliatory military strike is reportedly growing in Israel. The enhanced threat level comes after Iran accused Israel of launching an airstrike on its consulate in Damascus, Syria, on Monday, April 1. The attack killed three senior Iranian commanders, including one who led Iran’s weapons-smuggling operations in Syria.

Now, Israel is preparing for Iran’s forces to strike. Israelis have reportedly rushed to grocery stores and lined up for fuel on Friday as anxiety over an Iranian threat grew.

The Israeli government urged calm in the wake of enhanced apprehension. However, at the same time, the country’s military mobilized its force, calling up reservists.

Israeli officials also said that they were preparing emergency shelters in case of an attack. An Israeli official said that there is no need for residents to “buy generators” or “withdraw money from ATMs.”

Israeli security forces also took precautionary measures by scrambling GPS signals to throw of any potential GPS-guided weapons from enemies.

However, the disruption to GPS signals also impacted everyday life for Israelis. The practice — otherwise known as “GPS spoofing” — threw off directions for taxi drivers and had some residents incorrectly located in Beirut.

The Israeli military has used GPS spoofing in the north in response to rocket attacks by Hezbollah. The practice is much rarer in more metropolitan areas like Tel Aviv and other parts of Israel.

The Israeli military said it’s what’s necessary to protect Israel, especially after Iran vowed revenge after the suspected Israeli airstrike in Damascus.

Iran’s president also asserted that Israel would “be punished” for its alleged airstrike. The leader of Iranian-backed Hezbollah said Iran’s response is “inevitably coming.”

A former Israeli intelligence official said that Iran appears to be set on “a deterrent and immediate response.”

Despite the threat level rising, Israel’s military said that it is “prepared for every scenario.”