Israel Blocks GPS Amid Rising Tensions with Iran
In a bold move to disrupt incoming missiles and drones, GPS signals are being blocked across Israel as tensions escalate with Iran.
Iran has vowed to retaliate following a strike on its consulate building in Syria, which resulted in the deaths of 13 individuals, including a senior general. The strike, widely believed to be orchestrated by Israel, has sparked a wave of heightened military readiness in the region.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have taken proactive measures by halting all leave for soldiers serving with combat units and calling up reservists to bolster air defense units. The country is bracing for a potential Iranian response, with officials warning that it could come as soon as Friday – Quds Day, the last Friday in the Muslim Holy month of Ramadan.
As preparations intensify, GPS systems are being disrupted in central parts of Israel as a defensive tactic against potential threats. Israeli citizens are experiencing difficulties with location-based app services in major cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, far from active combat zones.
Reports of GPS interference are widespread, with users finding their location inaccurately pinned to locations such as Cairo instead of Jerusalem. IDF spokesman Rear Adm Daniel Hagari confirmed the use of GPS blocking techniques, also known as “spoofing”, as a means of safeguarding against enemy targeting.
Citizens are advised to manually set their location on safety alert apps to ensure accuracy amid the GPS disruptions. The IDF has also urged the public not to engage in panic-buying behaviors, reassuring that updates will be provided in an official and orderly manner.
While Israel has not officially commented on the strike on Iran’s diplomatic compound in Damascus, Iranian leaders have pointed fingers at Israel. President Ebrahim Raisi has vowed a response to the attack, though the nature of Iran’s retaliation remains uncertain.
Among the casualties of the strike was senior general Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a prominent figure in Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. Zahedi’s death marks another chapter in Israel’s ongoing campaign of targeted assassinations in Syria targeting individuals linked to Iran and its allies.
Israel’s actions in the region have stirred controversy and raised concerns about further escalation in the already volatile Middle East. As tensions continue to mount, the international community watches closely for any developments in this high-stakes conflict. – BBC
