Jerusalem/Doha: Regional tensions escalated on Monday after Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that a new military confrontation with Iran “can happen at any moment,” saying the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are preparing for what he described as Operation Blue and White.
Katz’s remarks come amid heightened security concerns following recent hostilities between Israel and Iran, raising fears that the fragile ceasefire could collapse if diplomatic efforts fail.
Separately, Qatar announced the indefinite suspension of all maritime activities as a precautionary measure. The Qatari Ministry of Transport and Communications instructed vessel owners and maritime operators to refrain from sailing until further notice, citing public safety concerns.
The simultaneous developments have fueled speculation over a possible deterioration in the regional security environment, although no official announcement has indicated that military operations are imminent.
Regional governments continue to monitor the situation closely as diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing another round of conflict remain underway.