The Israeli military tightened its defence and called up reservists amid a potential Iranian response to the strike in Syria earlier this week, in which several high-ranking Iranian military officials were killed, reported The Times of Israel.
Iran and its proxy Hezbollah have both pledged retaliation against Israel for the attack on a consular building near Iran’s embassy in Damascus. The attack resulted in the deaths of Mohammad Reza Zahedi, the most senior official of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Syria, his deputy, five other IRGC officers, and at least one member of Hezbollah.
Israeli speculation, as reported by Channel 12 news, suggests that Iran might respond by launching missiles directly from its own territory, rather than through its proxy groups in Lebanon, Iraq, or Yemen. If Iran chooses to retaliate through a proxy, such as Hezbollah, Israel may opt to let tensions subside. However, a direct attack from Iranian territory could provoke a significant response from the Israeli Defence Forces, escalating tensions further.
Former Military Intelligence head Amos Yadlin expressed his anticipation of Iran directly targeting Israel, citing a previous missile strike on Pakistan by Iran in January as a precedent for such actions. Hebrew-language media reports indicated that the decision to enhance air defenses and mobilize troops stemmed from a threat assessment.
Despite several rocket launches from Lebanon by Hezbollah since the attack on Monday, there is no evidence suggesting that these actions surpassed the usual cross-border skirmishes that have escalated tensions along Israel’s northern border since October 8th. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed retaliation for the attack, with posters echoing his sentiments appearing across Tehran, indicating public pressure for an Iranian response.
Khamenei, in a speech to officials in Tehran, asserted that the downfall of the Israeli regime in Gaza will persist, signaling its impending decline and dissolution.
Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated earlier that Israel is heightening preparedness in response to threats emanating from the Middle East.
Speaking at a readiness drill in Haifa, Gallant emphasized the expansion of operations against Hezbollah and other hostile entities, reiterating Israel’s proactive stance in striking its enemies throughout the region. He stressed the importance of readiness against both proximate and distant adversaries, affirming Israel’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens and retaliating against its foes.
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