Israeli army chief promised a response to Iran’s unprecedented strike on the country, prompting calls for de-escalation from world leaders concerned about further conflict.
Six months of conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza have sparked violence throughout the area, involving Iranian proxies and sympathizers who claim to help Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
However, tensions have risen even higher with Tehran’s first direct attack on Israel, in revenge for a fatal April 1 strike on Iran’s consulate in Damascus.
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“This launch of so many (Iranian) missiles, cruise missiles, and UAVs into the territory of the State of Israel will be met with a response,” Israeli army chief Lit-Gen. Herzi Halevi warned in an address to troops at the Nevatim military facility, which was rocked by Iran’s Saturday onslaught.
However, the military stated that it would not be distracted from its campaign against Hamas in Gaza.
The United Nations highlighted reports of “air strikes, shelling, and heavy fighting” for the past five days at the Nuseirat refugee camp in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza.
Iran launched almost 300 drones and missiles against Israel late Saturday, according to Israel’s military, with virtually all intercepted.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened with his military cabinet late Monday to deliberate possible reactions, local media said, as Israel delivered its first formal statement on the deadly Syria strike.
“These were people who engaged in terrorism against the State of Israel,” military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said. “There was not a single diplomat there, as far as I know.”
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps identified two generals as among the seven men slain in the consular attack.
Tehran claims its missile and drone onslaught against Israel was the first step in a severe new strategy.
Mohammad Jamshidi, the Iranian president’s political deputy, stated on X that the “era of strategic patience is over” and further targeting Iranian personnel and assets “will be met with a direct and punishing response.”
Tehran stated that the subject was “concluded” until Israel made “another mistake.”
