Israeli embassies worldwide shut down on Friday amidst heightened tensions, as the Israeli military prepared for potential reprisals from Iran.
The closure came in the wake of a strike in Syria, believed to be conducted by Israel, which resulted in the deaths of senior officers from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Israeli media reported that the embassy closures were a precautionary measure against Iran’s threats of retaliation for an attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus. This decision coincided with “Quds Day,” observed on the last Friday of Ramadan.
The strike in Damascus claimed the life of Mohammad Reza Zahedi, commander of the IRGC Quds Force’s Syria and Lebanon command, along with six other IRGC officers.
The funerals for Zahedi and the other officers coincided with Quds Day in Tehran, highlighting the significance of the event.
Additionally, six Syrian citizens lost their lives in the attack.
While Israel has not officially claimed responsibility, some Israeli officials suggested that the targeted building housed the IRGC Quds Force headquarters, deeming it a “legitimate target.”
Concerns about potential retaliatory attacks prompted the Israeli military to halt leaves for combat units on Thursday. Iran has pledged to retaliate for the deaths, further escalating tensions in the region.