Head of the Ministry of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz: due to the situation in the Middle East, I will probably meet with the commanders on Tuesday

On Wednesday, missiles were fired from Iran towards Israel. President USA Joe Biden ordered the US military to support Israel in defending against missiles fired from Iran towards the Jewish state, the National Security Council said.

READ ALSO: “Significant escalation” by Iran. Attack on Israel 'successfully contained'

Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz When asked on Tuesday evening by journalists in the Sejm about the situation in the Middle East, he stated that he had just talked to the Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Army, and had previously talked to the heads of the military services and main commanders. – We had briefings with the management of the Ministry of National Defense regarding the situation in the Middle East – he added.

He emphasized that he should receive a comprehensive report on this matter on Tuesday evening. – I will probably meet with our commanders today – said the minister.

He emphasized that the situation is currently being analyzed, and the basic task in connection with the situation in the Middle East is to take the necessary actions and activities together with our allies, especially the United States, to support all Polish diplomatic missions, both in Lebanon and Israel. and assistance to Polish citizens staying in this area.

When asked about possible evacuations, including: regarding the Polish Military Contingent in Lebanon, the head of the Ministry of National Defense emphasized that many countries sent soldiers there, not only EU countries and NATO.

– None of the countries that have sent under UN the military contingent does not talk about evacuation. We are in a military contingent under the command of the Irish, and together with the Irish we take care of a certain area in Lebanon, so we will make all decisions as allies, he said.

The Deputy Prime Minister was also asked whether, due to the events in the Middle East, Poland is at risk of an increased wave of migration. – Yes, it is possible that this will cause increased pressure on the borders, we are prepared. We are monitoring the situation and taking action, which is why we have also increased the presence of the army, he said.

As he noted, regardless of what is happening now, citizens of, among others, often appear on the Polish-Belarusian border. Syria or North African countries. – There is pressure on the border, we have increased our forces, there is cooperation between the police, the Border Guard and the army, about six thousand soldiers are directly involved – he emphasized. He noted that the rules have been changed and the buffer zone has been extended.

The head of the Ministry of National Defense also commented on the suggestion that the situation in the Middle East is a reason to convene the National Security Council. – We are always in dialogue with the president. We also need to assess our capabilities and our influence on what is happening. Here, an allied response and allied action is the most important – emphasized the head of the Ministry of National Defense.

Also the head of the Chancellery of the Prime Minister Jan Grabiec he assured that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs “continues to monitor the situation in the Middle East very closely.” – Also the Ministry of National Defense in connection with Polish soldiers staying there on missions, so the situation is being analyzed on an ongoing basis – said Grabiec.

In turn, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Władysław Teofil Bartoszewski emphasized that all Poles in Israel are monitored by the consulate. The deputy minister assured that they had the opportunity to leave Israel, but they refused and – as he emphasized – “we have no influence on it.” – We can evacuate them if necessary. Evacuation from Israel is much easier than from Lebanon, because there you can also evacuate by land, he added.

READ ALSO: Iran fired missiles at Israel. Earlier, Israel launched a “limited” ground operation in Lebanon

Iran fired a salvo of ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday; an alarm was announced throughout the country. The army said it shot down “a large portion” of the 180 rockets heading toward Israel. Iran announced that the airstrike was revenge for Israel's killing of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders. Israel announced its response.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard said the shelling on Israel was in retaliation for the deaths of Hamas leader Ismail Haniya, Hezbollah chief Hasan Nasrallah and Iranian general Abbas Nilforushan. It threatened “crushing attacks” in the event of an armed Israeli response.