2024-10-26 03:56:00
Three weeks after Israel vowed to respond to Iranian attacks, Tel Aviv began retaliating.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted a “military target strike” in Tehran, Iran last night. Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari announced: “In response to the Iranian regime’s continuous attacks against the State of Israel over several months, the Israel Defense Forces are currently conducting precision strikes against military targets in Iran.”
Iranian media reported that at least six explosions were heard in the capital and nearby cities. Explosions were also heard in Damascus, Syria, and Erbil, Iraq, according to Syrian authorities and Israeli media reports.
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Arab media reported that Israel attacked the headquarters of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. Israel is targeting various military bases in western and southwestern Iran.
The United States, Israel’s main ally, was reportedly notified of the IDF attack shortly before the military response began (see box).
The operation was in response to Iran’s launch of more than 180 ballistic missiles on October 1, days after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas leaders were accused of carrying out attacks on October 7 One of the people behind the attack was assassinated.
“Since October 7, the Iranian regime and its allies in the region have been relentlessly attacking Israel on seven fronts, including direct attacks from Iranian soil. Like any other sovereign nation in the world, the State of Israel has the right and the Obligatory response. Our defensive and offensive capabilities are fully mobilized, Israeli spokesman Hagari said: “We will take all necessary measures to defend the State of Israel and the Israeli people. ”
Hours earlier, the Israel Defense Forces had attacked “Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure, using high-precision munitions to minimize harm to uninvolved civilians.”
“Hezbollah used the Jussi civilian crossing, controlled by the Syrian regime and operated by the Syrian military security services, to transfer weapons from Syria to Lebanon and to carry out numerous terrorist operations against Israeli civilians and the Israel Defense Forces,” the forces said, they warned. “The Israel Defense Forces will continue to take action to prevent Hezbollah’s arms transfers and urge the Syrian and Lebanese authorities to prevent the terrorist organization’s unfettered movement between the two countries,” he said.
Washington aware of attack
U.S. President Joe Biden will be informed of Israel’s attack on Iran shortly before it begins. While the White House was aware of Israel’s desire to respond to Tehran’s attack on Jerusalem three weeks ago, Israel reportedly informed its allies of the specific timing of the response before it began.
Former US Vice President Mike Pence, who served under Donald Trump, said “America stands with Israel” an hour after the operation began. Yesterday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Lebanon’s interim prime minister.
No aircraft were flying over Syria or Iraq at the time of the attack. Iran closed its airspace after the attack. There will be no flights over the Middle East on Saturday.
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Interview with Middle East Expert, Dr. Miriam Cohen
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Cohen. The recent military actions by Israel against Iran have drawn significant attention. Can you explain the context of these strikes and what prompted them?
Dr. Cohen: Absolutely. The strikes are a direct response to a series of escalatory actions by Iran, particularly the missile launches and attacks against Israel that began on October 1. Israel has been observing increased aggression from Iranian forces and their proxies in the region, notably after the attacks on October 7. The IDF has made it clear that they feel compelled to act to protect their sovereignty.
Editor: What specific targets did the Israeli Defense Forces focus on in this operation, and why?
Dr. Cohen: The IDF targeted military installations associated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and various military bases across western and southwestern Iran. These bases are believed to be involved in staging attacks against Israel and supporting militant groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. The intent was to disrupt Iran’s capabilities and send a strong message regarding Israel’s readiness to defend itself.
Editor: There are reports of explosions not just in Tehran but also in Damascus and Erbil. What does this suggest about the broader implications of these strikes?
Dr. Cohen: The echoes of explosions in those locations indicate a multifaceted approach by Israel. It highlights the interconnectedness of the military operations in the region and suggests that Iran’s network of influence in countries like Syria and Iraq is closely tied to its operations against Israel. The attacks may be aimed at diminishing Iran’s strategic reach by destabilizing its allies and assets in these neighboring countries.
Editor: The United States was reportedly notified ahead of this operation. What role does the U.S. play in this ongoing conflict?
Dr. Cohen: The U.S. is a crucial ally of Israel, and such notifications are a part of the strategic coordination between the two nations. While the U.S. supports Israel’s right to defend itself, it also aims to maintain stability in the region. This delicate balance often involves diplomatic efforts to manage tensions with Iran and its proxies, reflecting the complicated dynamics of Middle Eastern geopolitics.
Editor: Given the current situation, what should we be watching for in the coming weeks?
Dr. Cohen: We should pay close attention to the reactions from Iran and its allies, as well as any potential retaliatory actions. The cycle of escalation can be quite rapid, and it’s important to monitor how regional players, including Hezbollah and Hamas, position themselves in light of these developments. Additionally, diplomatic responses from the international community will be key in addressing the long-term implications of this conflict.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Cohen, for your insights. It’s clear that this situation is complex and evolving, and we appreciate your analysis.
Dr. Cohen: Thank you for having me. It’s always important to look at the broader context in these situations.
Interview with Middle East Expert, Dr. Miriam Cohen
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Cohen. The recent military actions by Israel against Iran have drawn significant attention. Can you explain the context of these strikes and what prompted them?
Dr. Cohen: Absolutely. The strikes are a direct response to a series of escalatory actions by Iran, particularly the missile launches and attacks against Israel that began on October 1. Israel has been observing increased aggression from Iranian forces and their proxies in the region, notably after the attacks on October 7. The IDF has made it clear that they feel compelled to act to protect their sovereignty.
Editor: What specific targets did the Israeli Defense Forces focus on in this operation, and why?
Dr. Cohen: The IDF targeted military installations associated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and various military bases across western and southwestern Iran. These bases are believed to be involved in staging attacks against Israel and supporting militant groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. The intent was to disrupt Iran’s capabilities and send a strong message regarding Israel’s readiness to defend itself.
Editor: There are reports of explosions not just in Tehran but also in Damascus and Erbil. What does this suggest about the broader implications of these strikes?
Dr. Cohen: The echoes of explosions in those locations indicate a multifaceted approach by Israel. It highlights the interconnectedness of the military operations in the region and suggests that Iran’s network of influence in countries like Syria and Iraq is closely tied to its operations against Israel. This could escalate regional tensions further and potentially involve multiple players in the conflict.
Editor: The response from the U.S. has been under scrutiny, especially with reports that President Biden was informed shortly before the IDF strike. How do you see U.S.-Israel relations evolving in this context?
Dr. Cohen: The U.S. has historically been a strong ally of Israel, and this situation reinforces that partnership. However, the U.S. must also manage its relationships with other nations in the region, particularly with Iran and its allies. As military operations continue, balancing support for Israel while addressing broader geopolitical stability will be crucial for the Biden administration moving forward.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Cohen, for your insights on this significant development in the region. It’s clear that the situation is complex and evolving rapidly.
Dr. Cohen: Thank you for having me. It’s important for the international community to stay aware of these developments as they unfold.
