Israel Prepares Retaliation Against Iran After Attack on Tuesday

tel aviv - Israel is gearing up for a strong retaliation against Iran following the attack on Tuesday, with the US fearing that Iran might target the nuclear facility in Natanz.

Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari stated, "We have plans and we will act at the time and place of our choosing." Another high official remarked, "The retaliation will be like nothing we have seen before."

The attack by Iran on Tuesday evening was unprecedented, forcing nearly the entire Israeli population to seek shelter. Remarkably, there were only two known injuries in Israel, with the only fatality occurring in the West Bank, a Palestinian.

Air raid sirens were also heard in the southern town of Dimona, home to a nuclear reactor, which remained unharmed. There were reports of various impacts elsewhere. The military claims to have intercepted a large portion of the missiles in time, with assistance from US naval ships. The extent of the damage is still unclear as assessments are underway, while military planners in Tel Aviv convene to determine an appropriate response.

As a precaution, Iran has relocated Ayatollah Khamenei to a secure location. He rushed there immediately after the Israeli attack that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah last Friday, along with a senior Iranian general.

The Revolutionary Guard, in a statement, declared that the massive rocket barrage on Tuesday evening was in retaliation for the deaths of those two figures, as well as the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh two months ago. The Iranian elite forces are threatening a 'devastating' strike if Israel retaliates.

A retaliatory response is inevitable. Benjamin Netanyahu reluctantly acquiesced to pressure from President Biden in April, who urged him to 'take his profits' after Iran launched 300 drones and missiles at Israel in retaliation for an attack on a building near its embassy in Damascus, resulting in the deaths of several high-ranking members of the Revolutionary Guard.

That Iranian attack caused minimal damage, though it did claim one life, that of an Arab girl. Israel ultimately opted for a limited response - an attack near a nuclear facility that caused minimal damage.

This time, however, the situation threatens to escalate. Avigdor Lieberman, a former Defense Minister, has called on the government to immediately bomb Iran's nuclear facilities.

Such an action would likely open the gates of Hell wide. They are already slightly ajar following the onset of the Third Lebanon War and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Israel is also under fire from Yemen and Iraq, while reports suggest that 40,000 pro-Iranian militia members in Syria are prepared to join the fray.

Israel was aware that the Iranian attack was imminent. Tehran had informed both Russia, directly, and the United States, indirectly, beforehand. Authorities immediately halted train and air traffic and advised the population to stay near shelters. Perhaps Iran hoped that by announcing the attack in advance, it could limit casualties and thereby reduce the likelihood of a major escalation.

That hope is likely in vain. After Iran, it is now Israel's turn to restore its deterrence, potentially leading the two archrivals into a bloody spiral of violence.

Netanyahu has made halting Iran his life's work and will be eager to deliver a significant blow. This means that the Israeli Air Force may have to operate on another front.

However, there is a silver lining. If the situation deteriorates further, Israel will likely receive military assistance from the United States. America has already pledged 'additional defensive support.' Meanwhile, Iraqi militias threaten to target American bases in the region if the US takes a 'hostile action' against Iran, further indicating the potential for a regional war.

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are closely monitoring developments in the Middle East. The United States had also warned Iran in advance not to interfere in the conflict in Lebanon, as did several European nations. They cautioned Tehran that Israel may target Iran's nuclear facilities in retaliation.

Israeli forces entered Lebanon in a 'limited and targeted' operation late Monday night. However, the army later called up tens of thousands of reservists, a possible sign that the conflict could be protracted.

In addition to the Iranian attack, Israel was also rocked by a terrorist attack in Tel Aviv on Tuesday evening. Two Palestinians shot at least six people waiting at a tram stop, all of whom were later killed by security forces.