Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has renewed his pledge to strike Iran in response to an earlier missile attack.
Gallant said these planned strikes would show Israel’s strength to its enemies.
Speaking to air force personnel at Hatzerim air base, Gallant said: “After we attack Iran, everyone will understand your might.”
He added that any enemy threatening Israel “will pay a heavy price,” further igniting World War 3 fears.
The tension stems from an October 1 missile attack, which Israel has linked to Iran’s retaliation for the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli air raid.
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Gallant stressed that Israel will respond decisively and reiterated that this action will send a message to those who challenge the country’s security.
Following the address, Gallant took to X to say: “In my conversation with them I emphasised – after we attack Iran, everyone will understand your might. Any enemy that tries to harm the state of Israel will pay a heavy price.”
His comments come at a time when the region is already on edge, with fears of further escalation in the Middle East and beyond.
Reports suggest that the scope of Israel’s planned strikes is being discussed with the Biden administration.
Washington has reportedly urged Israel not to target Iran’s oil infrastructure or its nuclear programme.
US officials fear that such actions could trigger a broader conflict, especially with the US presidential election approaching.
In the meantime, Israel faces multiple security issues. Earlier this month, Hezbollah confirmed the death of its leader-in-waiting, Hashem Safieddine, in an Israeli airstrike.
Hezbollah stated that Safieddine had served the group for years and would be remembered for his role in managing the executive council.
The group added that it would carry on its resistance.
