By outdoor-nature-child.com Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has affirmed the country’s continued commitment to retaliate against Tehran following the missile strike on October 1. In an exclusive interview, Gallant spoke confidently about Israel’s military capabilities, emphasizing that planned airstrikes on Iran will showcase its strength to the world.
For over three weeks, the Middle East has been on edge, anticipating Israel’s response to Iran’s attack. This retaliation came as a response to Israel’s elimination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. During a visit to Hatzerim airbase, Gallant made it clear that a counter-strike against Iran is imminent. “After we attack Iran, they will understand in Israel and beyond what your preparations have entailed,” he stated in a video shared by his office.
Further elaborating on the situation via social platform X, Gallant communicated his expectations to the air force personnel: “After we launch our attack on Iran, everyone will grasp the extent of your might, the thoroughness of your preparation and training. Any foe seeking to threaten the state of Israel will face severe consequences,” he stated.
The specifics of Israel’s target list have been the subject of intricate discussions between Israeli officials and the Biden administration, which has advised against targeting Iran’s oil infrastructure or nuclear facilities due to fears of escalating violence, especially in light of the impending US presidential election.
On the ground, Israel is engaged on multiple fronts. Recently, Hezbollah confirmed the death of Hashem Safieddine, seen as a potential successor to Nasrallah. Israel maintains that Safieddine was killed in an airstrike earlier this month, along with Ali Hussein Hazima of Hezbollah’s intelligence unit. Hezbollah described Safieddine as a foundational figure in the organization, vowing to continue their path of resistance.
With the leadership of Hezbollah in a state of uncertainty following these deaths, Naim Qassem remains the group’s acting public leader, but a permanent leader has yet to be designated. Despite the deaths of several senior military and political figures in recent months, Hezbollah asserts it still possesses the capability to confront Israel.
On Wednesday, Israeli airstrikes targeted Tyre, one of southern Lebanon’s largest cities, where many families displaced by earlier conflicts have sought refuge. Residents reported the terrifying proximity of the strikes. One woman, Rita Darwish, shared her fear, stating she would leave Tyre at the first opportunity once the bombardment ceased.
The strikes in central Tyre, a UNESCO-listed site, mark an expansion of Israel’s military operations in Lebanon, which have intensified over the past week. Areas such as greater Beirut and other cities like Nabatieh are now also under attack.
Hezbollah has ramped up its operations against Israel as well, claiming responsibility for 39 attacks recently, including downing drones and targeting military personnel. Fighting persisted, with Hezbollah launching assaults on Israeli positions in southern Lebanon.
The Islamist militant group has significantly increased its strikes in recent weeks, declaring it has entered an “escalatory phase” of war against Israel. Notably, Hezbollah claimed to have targeted the holiday residence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In a separate development, the Israel Defense Forces accused six Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza of being affiliated with Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The Committee to Protect Journalists responded skeptically, highlighting a history of unverified allegations made by Israel.
Meanwhile, IDF operations in the Jabaliya refugee camp have focused on eliminating local resistance. According to the IDF, around 150 men surrendered recently. The UN reports that upwards of 60,000 individuals have fled northern Gaza to the south due to escalating military actions and humanitarian crises.