The Israeli military is finalizing plans for a substantial response to Iran’s recent ballistic missile attack, which saw around 200 missiles launched at Israeli territory. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed that the strike caused damage to some airbases but did not impact critical infrastructure or diminish the air force’s operational capabilities. While the damage was minimal, military officials described upcoming retaliation as “serious and significant.”
Planning Response
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi indicated on Wednesday that Israel is prepared to strike any target across the Middle East in retaliation for Iran’s missile assault. Although response plans are still under development, they will require the approval of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
Netanyahu, addressing the Iranian attack during a security cabinet meeting, warned that Tehran had made a “big mistake” and vowed that it would “pay for it.” The military’s response is expected to be calibrated to signal Israel’s strategic reach and military superiority in the region.
International Pressure and US Caution
planned retaliation has sparked international concern, particularly from the United States. President Joe Biden, while acknowledging Israel’s right to defend itself, has urged restraint. Biden advised Israel to avoid targeting Iran’s oil or nuclear infrastructure, citing the potential for further destabilizing regional and global oil markets. A direct strike on Iranian oil fields could cause a shock to global supplies, as oil prices have already surged following speculation of such an attack.
Despite this caution, Israeli military operations will likely focus on neutralizing Iranian military capabilities, avoiding the kind of broader escalation that might affect global economic stability.
Iran’s Stance and Regional Tensions
In the aftermath of a missile strike, Iranian officials have downplayed concerns over Israeli retaliation. Iran’s oil minister, Mohsen Paknejad, expressed confidence that conflict would not disrupt the country’s oil production. At the same time, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized the need for ceasefires in ongoing regional conflicts, particularly in Gaza and Lebanon.
Missile strike marks a significant escalation in tensions between Israel and Iran, both of which have been involved in indirect confrontations through proxy forces like Hezbollah and Hamas. While Hezbollah has been firing rockets at Israel from southern Lebanon, Iran has remained a key supporter of the groups, which are integral to what Tehran calls the “axis of resistance” against Israel.
Iran’s Support for Proxy Forces
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a rare public sermon, praised the actions of Hamas and Hezbollah, condemning Israel’s counterattacks and vowing that Iran-backed groups in the region “will not back down.” Khamenei’s rhetoric, which was heavily focused on resistance against Israel, signals Iran’s continued support for regional militant groups despite the growing risk of a broader war.
Israel’s Military Strategy
Israel has continued to intensify its military campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon, aiming to push the group away from its northern border and secure its southern regions. In addition to airstrikes on Hezbollah positions, Israel has expanded its blockade on Lebanon to prevent further arms shipments from Iran, particularly via Syria. IDF has also targeted arms warehouses in Syria suspected of holding weapons intended for Hezbollah.
With military operations expanding across multiple fronts, Israel’s strategic objectives will likely focus on neutralizing immediate threats while preventing Iran from establishing stronger footholds in Lebanon and Syria. The situation remains fluid, with both sides weighing in on the next moves as the region braces for potential further escalation.
