Israeli Government Decides: Retaliatory Strike Against Iran to Come
Following Iran's drone attack over the weekend, we reported that the Israeli government could decide on its response as early as that afternoon.
However, no decision was made on Sunday, leaving the world waiting on Israel's next move.
Sky News recently reported that after their third meeting since the Iranian attack on Monday afternoon, the Israeli military cabinet has decided to respond to Iran’s aggression.
This decision was also confirmed by the Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). According to reports in the local press, the military cabinet has opted for a retaliatory strike that would inflict real damage on Iran without sparking a regional war.
Sky News also noted that Israel is coordinating the response with the United States, although the Americans have previously stated they would not participate in the action.
A Clear and Powerful Retaliation Could Happen Within Hours
According to Channel 12 and The Times of Israel, the military cabinet has opted for a “clear and powerful” counterstrike against Iran. The goal is to demonstrate that Israel will not let an attack of this magnitude go unanswered.
The counterstrike also aims to make it clear that Israel will not let Iranian counter-attacks to any Israeli strike go unpunished, including a bombing near Damascus which preceded the Iranian attack.
Some reports, as per The Times of Israel, suggest that the strike could occur as early as Monday following the cabinet's decision.
In the meantime, Axios has reported that in a Sunday phone call, Israeli Defense Minister Joav Gallant informed Lloyd Austin, the US Defense Secretary, that there was “no choice” but to respond given Iran’s use of ballistic missiles in its operation.
During that call, Gallant also referenced the incident in Damascus, stating, “Israel will not accept a situation where Iran responds with direct attacks whenever Israel hits targets in Syria.”
Scenarios Reviewed for the Retaliatory Strike
Channel 12 reports that the military cabinet discussed several possible scenarios for the counterstrike. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal on Monday, these included:
- The possibility of a cyber-attack;
- Targeted strikes against “key state-owned facilities,” such as the Iranian oil infrastructure;
- Targets related to Iran’s nuclear program participants and institutions;
- Strikes against Iran-backed militants (Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthi rebels in Yemen).
Experts believe that targeting nuclear facilities is unlikely because it would require military and financial support from the United States, which Israel would not receive.
IDF Spokesperson Talks of a Multi-Front War
Daniel Hagari, IDF spokesperson, spoke at a Monday evening press conference, saying, “We are in a multi-front war. The threats are varying in extent and frequency,” according to The Times of Israel.
Journalists asked if the Israeli populace is being prepared for war. Hagari responded that the Iranian attack "was thwarted," allowing for a broader range of options. He further added, “We will do everything necessary for the defense of the state of Israel” and will respond to Iran’s strike “at a time of our choosing,” as reported by Sky News.
Sky News recently reported that after their third meeting since the Iranian attack on Monday afternoon, the Israeli military cabinet has decided to respond to Iran’s aggression.
This decision was also confirmed by the Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). According to reports in the local press, the military cabinet has opted for a retaliatory strike that would inflict real damage on Iran without sparking a regional war.
Sky News also noted that Israel is coordinating the response with the United States, although the Americans have previously stated they would not participate in the action.
A Clear and Powerful Retaliation Could Happen Within Hours
According to Channel 12 and The Times of Israel, the military cabinet has opted for a “clear and powerful” counterstrike against Iran. The goal is to demonstrate that Israel will not let an attack of this magnitude go unanswered.
The counterstrike also aims to make it clear that Israel will not let Iranian counter-attacks to any Israeli strike go unpunished, including a bombing near Damascus which preceded the Iranian attack.
Some reports, as per The Times of Israel, suggest that the strike could occur as early as Monday following the cabinet's decision.
In the meantime, Axios has reported that in a Sunday phone call, Israeli Defense Minister Joav Gallant informed Lloyd Austin, the US Defense Secretary, that there was “no choice” but to respond given Iran’s use of ballistic missiles in its operation.
During that call, Gallant also referenced the incident in Damascus, stating, “Israel will not accept a situation where Iran responds with direct attacks whenever Israel hits targets in Syria.”
Scenarios Reviewed for the Retaliatory Strike
Channel 12 reports that the military cabinet discussed several possible scenarios for the counterstrike. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal on Monday, these included:
- The possibility of a cyber-attack;
- Targeted strikes against “key state-owned facilities,” such as the Iranian oil infrastructure;
- Targets related to Iran’s nuclear program participants and institutions;
- Strikes against Iran-backed militants (Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthi rebels in Yemen).
Experts believe that targeting nuclear facilities is unlikely because it would require military and financial support from the United States, which Israel would not receive.
IDF Spokesperson Talks of a Multi-Front War
Daniel Hagari, IDF spokesperson, spoke at a Monday evening press conference, saying, “We are in a multi-front war. The threats are varying in extent and frequency,” according to The Times of Israel.
Journalists asked if the Israeli populace is being prepared for war. Hagari responded that the Iranian attack "was thwarted," allowing for a broader range of options. He further added, “We will do everything necessary for the defense of the state of Israel” and will respond to Iran’s strike “at a time of our choosing,” as reported by Sky News.
Translation:
Translated by AI
