The Chief of Staff of the Israeli Armed Forces, Herzi Halevi, stated on Monday that Israel will retaliate against the attack carried out by Iran, despite concerns that this could lead to a wider regional escalation. Halevi emphasized that Israel will respond to the launch of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones on its territory.
According to reports from the Israeli Armed Forces, Halevi mentioned that Iran’s goal was to damage Israel’s strategic capabilities, something that has not occurred previously. He noted that Israel was prepared for Operation ‘Iron Shield’ and conducted maneuvers to intercept the incoming projectiles.
Halevi visited the Nevatim air base in the Negev desert, which was targeted by Iranian drones during the recent attack, causing minor damage. The Israeli Army confirmed that Iran launched over 300 projectiles, including drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, during the attack. Fortunately, the majority of these projectiles were intercepted before causing any significant damage.
Iran has defended these attacks as a legitimate response and its right to self-defense following an incident where seven members of the Revolutionary Guard were killed in the bombing of its consulate in Damascus, which Iran blames on Israel.