The Israeli military (IDF) has said it has "not changed" its policy of protecting civilians, as Iran and Hezbollah are expected to retaliate for the assassination of two senior figures last week.

"I would like to address various reports and rumors this evening that we are on alert for an enemy reaction towards the territory of the State of Israel," IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in an online briefing with journalists on August 4.

"I emphasize that there has been no change in the defense policy of the Homeland Command so far," Hagari said, referring to a branch of the military dedicated to protecting civilians in times of war and emergencies, including natural disasters.

Mr. Hagari and other senior Israeli military and government officials, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have repeatedly stated that the country is prepared for any attack.

But Mr Hagari said Israel's protection was not "absolute". "We try to give the necessary warning to prepare for any threat. Protection is not absolute. Therefore, every citizen must know the instructions, wherever they are, and be vigilant," he said.

The IDF spokesman also announced that the Israel Home Front Command has deployed a new system to alert citizens in case of emergency.

“Alerts will be sent to mobile phones in the threatened area. This is done without any application and without any action on the part of citizens,” Hagari explained.

Concerns about a wider conflict in the Middle East have grown following the assassination of senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut, Lebanon, and Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Iran.

Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah have vowed to retaliate. Israel has claimed responsibility for the assassination of Mr Shukr but has remained silent on the case of Mr Haniyeh.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reportedly told his G7 counterparts on August 4 that an attack on Israel by Iran and Hezbollah could begin as early as August 5, US website Axios reported, citing three unnamed sources briefed on the online meeting between diplomats .

The news site also said that the Commander of the Central Command (CENTCOM), General Michael E. Kurilla, came to Israel to "complete preparations" with the Israeli army "before a potential attack".

Minh Duc (According to TRT World, Al Jazeera)