Israel is also bracing for attacks from other Iranian proxies, including militants in Iraq, Syria and Yemen.

The Houthi rebels in Yemen have so far been the most aggressive, launching more than 200 drones and missiles at Israel since Nov last year. In July, an Israeli civilian was killed in Tel Aviv by a drone launched by Houthis in Yemen. 

Of all Iran’s options, attacks from Syria, Iraq and Yemen would be the least dramatic and easiest for Israel to defend against, launching airstrikes against the militants in all three countries.

Britain’s role

The UK helped defend Israel against Iran’s missile and drone attack in April, and it is expected to do the same this time, despite tensions between the countries since Sir Keir Starmer took office.

Royal Navy ships and RAF helicopters are on standby, with the HMS Duncan, a Type-45 destroyer, and RFA Cardigan Bay, a transport ship, currently in the eastern Mediterranean.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said the UK had sent “additional consular officials, Border Force and UK military personnel to the region”, but did not provide further details.