Israel’s military chief vowed to respond to Iran’s unprecedented attack on the country, which has prompted calls for de-escalation by world leaders fearing a wider conflict.
The six-month war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza has sparked violence across the region involving its proxies. Iran’s allies say they are acting to support Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
But tensions rose even higher after Tehran’s first direct attack on Israel, in retaliation for the deadly April 1 attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus.
“The launch of so many (Iranian) missiles, cruise missiles and UAVs into the territory of the State of Israel will be responded to favorably,” said Israeli military chief General Herzi Halevi, speaking to troops at the Nevatim military base hit in Iran.
Even so, they will not be distracted in their war against Hamas in Gaza.
The UN on Monday cited reports of “airstrikes, shelling and heavy fighting” over the past five days around the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza city of Deir al-Balah.
Also read: Israeli military carries out air strikes on the Gaza Strip
Involved in terrorism
Iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles at Israel on Saturday evening, according to the Israeli military which said almost all of them were intercepted.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with his war cabinet late Monday to discuss possible reactions, local media said, as Israel issued its first official comments on the deadly attack in Syria.
“These are people involved in terrorism against the State of Israel,” said military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari.
Also read: Israeli military carries out air strikes on the Gaza Strip, Palestine
“As far as I know, there is not a single diplomat there.”
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said two of its generals were among seven members killed in a consular attack.
Tehran says the missile and drone attacks on Israel are the first actions of a tough new strategy.
Also read: Israeli attack kills 212 Palestinians including 61 children
The Iranian president’s political deputy, Mohammad Jamshidi, wrote in X that “the era of strategic patience is over” and further targeting of Iranian personnel and assets “will be met with an immediate and punitive response.”
Tehran says it considers the issue “solved” unless Israel chooses to make “another mistake”.
Israel’s main military supplier, the United States, played a key role — along with other allies — in shooting down the Iranian drone.
US officials, increasingly critical of the number of civilian casualties in Gaza, urged Israel to be cautious after the Iranian attack.
“We do not want escalation, but we will continue to support Israel’s defense and protect our personnel in the region,” said Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
US President Joe Biden has told Netanyahu that Washington will not offer military support for any retaliation against Iran, according to a senior US official.
Netanyahu has been less outspoken than usual since the Iran attack, but he said late Monday in X that the international community “must continue to unite in the fight against Iranian aggression, which threatens world peace.”
At the White House, Biden, meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani, said: “We are committed to a ceasefire that will bring home the hostages and prevent the conflict from escalating beyond what it already is.”
Israel estimates 129 hostages, including 34 people thought to be dead, remain in the hands of Palestinian militants in Gaza since their attack on October 7 sparked war with Israel. (AFP/Z-3)
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