The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have announced that they have strengthened their air defense systems and called up reservists due to concerns about a possible retaliation from Iran after a recent attack in Syria. This attack resulted in the deaths of several senior Iranian military officials.
Iran and its proxy Hezbollah have vowed to retaliate against Israel for the attack on a consular building near Iran’s embassy in Damascus. The strike killed Mohammad Reza Zahedi, the most senior official of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Syria, along with other IRGC officers and a member of Hezbollah.
There’s speculation in Israeli circles that Iran may directly launch missiles from its territory instead of using its proxy groups, such as militias in Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen, for retaliation. This possibility has prompted Israel to heighten its preparedness.
Former Military Intelligence head Amos Yadlin suggested that Iran might fire directly at Israel, citing a previous missile strike on Pakistan as precedent. The IDF’s decision to strengthen air defenses and call up reserves followed a threat assessment.
Although rockets have been fired at Israel from Lebanon by Hezbollah, there’s no indication they surpassed the usual cross-border fire. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed revenge, and there’s public pressure in Tehran for a response.
Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Israel is increasing readiness in the face of threats across the Middle East. The ongoing attacks on the northern border by Hezbollah have resulted in civilian and military casualties on both sides.
The recent escalation began after Israel signaled increased action against Hezbollah, striking targets deeper inside Lebanon. This followed an attack on Eilat by an Iran-backed militia, which hit a naval base.
US officials are monitoring the situation closely, wary of potential attacks on US troops by Iran-backed proxies. Iran faces the challenge of responding to Israeli strikes without escalating into full-scale war. Potential responses could include targeting Israeli interests or accelerating their nuclear program, although such steps carry significant risks.
