The US is sending its top commander in charge of the Middle East to Israel today ahead of a possible Iranian attack, according to two Israeli officials. 

General Erik Kurilla, commander of the US Central Command, will meet with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and senior Israel Defense Forces officials, Axios reported.

Israeli officials said that they are preparing for an unprecedented attack directly from Iran using cruise missiles, ballistic missiles and drones against Israeli targets.

It comes after Iran’s supreme leader said Israel “must be punished” for an airstrike on an Iranian embassy compound in Syria that killed a top Iranian general.

An attack on Israel and its bases could mark a severe escalation in the regional conflict, with Israel likely to retaliate with a direct attack against Iran.

US President Joe Biden has pledged his “ironclad” support for Israel and that Washington would do “all we can” to protect it from an attack by Tehran.

Follow the latest updates below