Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, Israel’s military chief, has issued a stark warning to Iran, promising a powerful response if Tehran retaliates against Israeli airstrikes conducted over the weekend.
“If Iran makes the mistake of launching another missile barrage at Israel, we will once again know how to reach Iran… and strike very, very hard,” Halevi stated during an address to military personnel involved in the recent operations. He indicated that specific targets have been earmarked for potential future strikes, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the conflict, saying, “This event is not over; we are still in the midst of it.”
Recent Developments
Israeli fighter jets executed pre-dawn airstrikes against Iranian military installations and missile production facilities, a direct response to a significant missile attack launched by Iran earlier in the month. This missile barrage, involving approximately 200 missiles, was reportedly in retaliation for the deaths of several Tehran-aligned militant leaders, including Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah and a commander from the Revolutionary Guards.
Iran confirmed that Israeli strikes targeted military sites in Tehran and other locations but claimed the damage was “limited.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, characterized the Israeli attack as a “miscalculation,” calling for it not to be exaggerated or minimized.
Historical Context
This missile barrage marks the second direct attack by Iran on Israel, following a similar incident in April, which led to further retaliatory actions from Israel. The escalating tension between the two nations reflects a broader regional conflict involving multiple factions and interests, highlighting the delicate balance of power in the Middle East.
As both nations remain on high alert, the international community watches closely, concerned about the potential for a broader conflict that could have significant implications for regional stability.