Israel Preparing Response to Iranian Missile Barrage
Tensions between Israel and Iran escalated this week after Iran launched a missile barrage at Israel, its second direct attack on the country in less than six months. According to an Israeli official, the military is “preparing a response” to the unprecedented and unlawful attack on Israeli civilians and Israel.
The official, who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity, did not elaborate on the nature or timing of the response. However, Israel’s left-leaning newspaper Haaretz reported that the military’s response will be “significant.” The newspaper quoted the military as saying that they are preparing for a significant strike in Iran following the missile attack from Tehran.
The Iranian missile attack was launched in response to the assassination of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed by an Israeli air strike in the Lebanese capital on September 27. The attack was also in response to the death of the former political head of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in Tehran on July 31. Both Iran and Hamas blame Israel for Haniyeh’s killing, although Israel has not commented on his death.
On October 1, Iran launched around 200 missiles at Israel, most of which were intercepted by Israel’s aerial defense system. However, some missiles hit military bases, causing minor damage and casualties.
The incident marks a significant escalation in tensions between Israel and Iran, which have been at odds over a range of issues, including Iran’s nuclear program and its support for militant groups in the region. The Israeli military has vowed to take action to protect its citizens and its interests, and the response to the Iranian missile barrage is likely to be significant.
The situation remains volatile, with both sides accusing each other of aggression and vowing to take further action. The international community is closely watching the situation, with many countries calling for restraint and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
