Synopsis
Israel is preparing a significant retaliation against Iran’s missile strike, targeting oil facilities and other strategic sites. This move, coordinated with the US, could escalate conflicts, drawing in Hezbollah and prompting further Iranian attacks. Israel vows severe consequences, potentially targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, while Iran’s Supreme Leader challenges Israel’s response.
APIsrael is expected to launch a “significant retaliation” within days following Iran’s attack that included nearly 200 ballistic missiles, according to officials in Tel Aviv. In response to the massive missile strike, Israel is likely to target oil production facilities inside Iran and other strategic sites, according to a report in Axios.
Such actions could severely impact Iran’s economy and infrastructure which is already strained due to US sanctions. This exchange marks a significant escalation since the Israel-Hamas conflict began a year ago, bringing Israel and Iran closer to a more dangerous confrontation.
As Israel prepares to respond, Iran has also warned of further attacks if Israel retaliates forcefully. Israeli officials have stated that if Iran conducts a second attack, all options, including targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, will be considered. Israel might also conduct airstrikes and covert operations, similar to the one that killed Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.
According to a news report in Axios, Israeli response could include airstrikes from fighter jets as well as clandestine operations similar to the one that killed Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran two months ago. Israeli officials have pointed out that Iran’s oil facilities are a likely target and retaliation will be much more “significant”.
Israel intends to coordinate with the US on responding to a recent incident due to its strategic significance, according to an Israeli official, the report mentioned. If Iran retaliates to Israel’s response, Israel will need defensive cooperation from US Central Command and additional munitions for its air force. The official also indicated that other forms of US operational support might be necessary.
Israel targets new Hezbollah chief
An Israeli strike on Beirut targeted senior Hezbollah official Hashem Safieddine, Axios reporter Barak Ravid said in a post on social media platform X early on Friday, citing an Israeli source. Safieddine is the man widely regarded as the heir of slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
The Israeli military said it hit Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters in Beirut on Thursday amid a flurry of strikes targeting the group’s positions in the Lebanese capital. Israeli fighter jets “struck targets belonging to Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters in Beirut, including terror operatives belonging to the unit, intelligence-gathering means, command centres and additional terrorist infrastructure,” the military said in a statement.
Earlier this week, Israel declared that its troops had initiated “ground raids” in certain areas of southern Lebanon, a Hezbollah bastion, following several days of intense shelling across the nation where the group holds influence.
According to the Lebanese health ministry, the bombardment has claimed the lives of over 1,000 individuals and displaced hundreds of thousands in a country already grappling with economic and political turmoil.
Iran supreme leader in undisclosed location
Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has already been moved to an undisclosed location. Reports indicate that the recent ballistic missile attack on Israel was ordered by Khamenei and was approved by Tehran’s top decision-making body. Khamenei, however, has challenged Israel, stating he will lead Friday’s Islamic prayers in Tehran, signaling defiance.
Prime Minister Netanyahu described Iran’s attack as a “big mistake,” stating, “Iran made a big mistake and will pay for it. The Iranian regime does not understand our determination to defend ourselves and our determination to take revenge on our enemies.”
Israeli Defence Forces spokesperson, RAdm. Daniel Hagari, called the attack a “severe and dangerous escalation” and stated, “There will be consequences. We will respond wherever, whenever and however we choose, in accordance with the directive of the government of Israel.”