Tensions between Israel and Iran are at an all-time high, leading to the disruption of GPS systems across Israel. This move is aimed at disrupting missiles and drones, as Israel prepares for a possible attack by Iran. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have announced an increase in troop numbers and have ceased all leave for soldiers serving with combat units. Additionally, reservists have been called up to bolster air defense units as a precautionary measure.
The disruption of GPS systems is widespread, with citizens reporting issues in major cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Monitoring website GPSJAM has shown extensive interference with location signals across Israel. Even a BBC producer reported her GPS showing her location as Cairo when she was actually in Jerusalem.
The disruption of GPS is not limited to civilian use, as GPS interference is also occurring in areas near the border with Lebanon, where Israel and the Iranian-backed group Hezbollah have been engaged in daily fire exchanges for the past six months.
The IDF has urged citizens not to panic buy, stating that there is no need to stockpile food, buy generators, or withdraw money from ATMs. The media in Israel has reported on the alerting or evacuating of some of the country’s embassies over potential Iranian attacks, although these reports have not been independently verified.
The current tensions stem from a strike on Iran’s consulate building in Syria, which killed 13 people, including a senior general. Iran has vowed to respond to the strike, but the nature of their response remains unclear. Israel has not commented on the targeting of the building, but has been blamed by Iran’s leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The situation has also been complicated by the killing of seven aid workers operating in Gaza on Monday, prompting international pressure on Israel. US President Joe Biden has called for an immediate ceasefire and concrete steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers.
As tensions continue to rise, both Israel and Iran remain on high alert, preparing for any potential further escalation in the conflict.
