WASHINGTON: The US needs to be prepared for 'significant' strikes on Israel, which could happen this week, said White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby.

Washington: The US needs to be prepared for 'significant' attacks on Israel, which could happen this week, White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby said on Monday (local time) amid rising tensions in the Middle East. It follows President Joe Biden's talks with the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy, as the US seeks to ease tensions in the Middle East.

“We share the same concerns and expectations as our Israeli counterparts regarding the potential time here. Could be this week,” Kirby told reporters, according to the Times of Israel. “We have to be prepared for major attacks,” he said.

Kirby said the call was primarily for all leaders to reiterate their support for Israel's defense and to “send a clear message that they do not want to escalate violence or attacks by Iran or its proxies.”

In a joint statement on Monday, US President Biden, along with the leaders of the UK, France, Germany and Italy, called on Iran to stop its continued threats of military strikes against Israel.

“We called on Iran to end its continued threats of military attack against Israel and discussed the serious implications for regional security of such an attack,” the joint statement read, according to the White House. The statement emphasized the urgent need for rapid distribution and delivery of aid.

“We expressed our full support for ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions and reach an agreement on a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza. We endorsed the joint call by President Biden, President Sisi of Egypt, and Emir Tamim of Qatar for a renewal this weekend, with the goal of completing this agreement as soon as possible, stressing that there is no more time to lose. Read the statement.

“All parties must fulfill their responsibilities. In addition, uninterrupted delivery and distribution of aid is essential. We have expressed our support for Israel's defense against Iranian aggression and attacks by Iran-backed terrorist groups,” it added.

After the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last month, Israel is preparing for heavy retaliation, prompting Iran to exact “punishment”. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for Haniyeh's death, but has previously threatened to target him and other senior leaders.