Israel Prepares for Potential Attacks from Iran and Its Proxies
August 8, 2024, 3:49 pm

Israel Army

Israel Prepares for Potential Attacks from Iran and Its Proxies

In a precautionary move, Israel's ambulance service has begun stockpiling blood supplies in an underground fortified center. Factories have disposed of hazardous materials, and municipal authorities have been inspecting shelters and ensuring adequate water supplies in anticipation of a potential attack threatened by Iran and its proxies.

Israel's fortification of its home front has been ongoing for several months, with numerous measures implemented since the outbreak of war in Gaza in October. However, preparations have accelerated significantly in the past ten days as the relatively limited conflict with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon threatens to escalate into a full-scale regional war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Wednesday during an interview with new army recruits: "I know that the citizens of Israel are on alert, and I ask you to remain patient and calm." He added, "We are prepared to defend and attack. We strike our enemies and are also determined to defend ourselves."

Israel now faces the risk of a multi-front war, with challenges from Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis in Yemen, all backed by Iran. An attack is expected in the coming days following threats from Iran and Hezbollah to avenge the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas' political bureau in Tehran, and the assassination of Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut last week.

Israelis have grown accustomed to a state of crisis after months of anxiety and anticipation, especially following an Iranian attack involving hundreds of missiles in April, which was thwarted by Israeli air defenses with the help of international allies. Tens of thousands of people were evacuated from northern areas within Hezbollah's missile range at the start of the war, and many border areas have now become ghost towns.

However, Hezbollah's missile attacks on Israel could reach deep into the country, targeting sensitive locations such as the northern coastal city of Haifa, which is an easy target for Hezbollah’s missiles. Haifa's Rambam Hospital has been on high alert since last October, preparing fortified underground facilities consisting of three floors to treat patients. David Ratner, the hospital's spokesperson, stated, "We are bracing for what may happen."

The Israeli military has declared a state of maximum alert, and over the weekend, it enhanced its national air raid siren system, extending alerts to include text messages sent to residents in targeted areas. Many local councils have advised residents to limit unnecessary activities, stay close to protected areas, and avoid large gatherings.

Read More:
Sednaya Prison Continues to Claim Lives: Two Young Men Die Under Torture

The armed forces stated that the Home Front Command is in constant contact with factories and local authorities to maintain "a complete picture of hazardous materials stock levels." Bazan Group, which operates one of the largest oil refineries in the eastern Mediterranean in Haifa, announced that it is "working to maintain energy security and ensure the continued supply of fuel to the economy."

Authorities are also preparing for the possibility of mass cash withdrawals. The Bank of Israel stated, "The stock of banknotes and coins at the Bank of Israel and within the banking system will be sufficient according to all foreseeable scenarios."

Levant News

Why In Iran... Not In Qatar Suicide Drones Target "International Coalition" Base in Northeast Hasakah

BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.