Israel’s military chief stated on Monday that Israel will retaliate against Iran’s missile strike from the weekend, without specifying the timeline or method.
Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi mentioned that Israel is evaluating its options, but assured that there will be a response to the Iranian attack involving missiles and drones. Halevi made these remarks during a visit to the Nevatim air base, which reportedly sustained minor damage in the attack.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been in discussions with top officials regarding a potential response. Global leaders have been advising Israel against retaliating following Iran’s extensive attack using drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles.
This recent Iranian assault on Saturday marked the first direct military strike by Iran on Israel, despite longstanding hostilities dating back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The attack occurred shortly after a suspected Israeli strike in Syria that resulted in the deaths of two Iranian generals at an Iranian consular building.
According to the Israeli military, 99% of the drones and missiles launched by Iran were intercepted with assistance from countries like the United States, Britain, and France. Despite these reported interceptions, Iran has deemed the attack a success.
Israel and Iran have been on a collision course during Israel’s ongoing six-month conflict against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. The conflict began after Hamas and Islamic Jihad, both militant groups supported by Iran, carried out a devastating cross-border attack on Oct. 7, resulting in 1,200 casualties in Israel and the kidnapping of 250 individuals.
