An unnamed Israeli official announced that Israel is preparing a significant military response against Iran following an October 1 ballistic missile attack on Tel Aviv. The missile barrage, launched by Iran, involved around 180 ballistic missiles and was described by Tehran as retaliation for the recent assassinations of senior Hezbollah and Hamas leaders, along with a commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.
The official, whose statements were aired by Israel’s public broadcaster KAN, confirmed that Israel is reinforcing its defenses in anticipation of potential retaliatory strikes from Iran. While no specific targets were revealed, Israeli media speculate that the planned attack could involve strikes on Iranian oil or nuclear facilities, raising concerns about a possible regional conflict.
Since the Iranian missile strike, Israel has been in close consultations with its key ally, the United States, to coordinate potential targets and defensive measures. In preparation for further Iranian attacks, the U.S. has deployed a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system to Israel, which enhances Israel’s capacity to intercept long-range missiles.
Before the deployment of the THAAD system, Israel relied on a trio of defense systems: Arrow for long-range threats, David’s Sling for mid-range missiles, and the Iron Dome for short-range intercepts. Despite these systems, Israel’s defenses have struggled to fully counter Iran’s missile attacks.
Iran has promised a “painful” response if Israel proceeds with the planned offensive, intensifying fears of escalating violence in the region. This tense situation follows years of hostility between Israel and Iran, with both nations accusing each other of cyberattacks and other forms of aggression.
Meanwhile, Israel remains embroiled in its offensive on Gaza, which began following a cross-border attack by Hamas last year. Despite international calls for a cease-fire, the conflict has led to the deaths of more than 42,600 people, mostly civilians, with tens of thousands more injured. Israel’s actions in Gaza have displaced nearly the entire population, creating dire humanitarian conditions amidst shortages of food, water, and medicine.
Israel’s conduct in Gaza is currently under scrutiny, with a genocide case filed against it at the International Court of Justice.–News Desk