Report: Israel Plans Limited Retaliatory Strikes Following Iranian Missile Barrage

In response to Iran’s unprecedented direct missile and drone attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened his war cabinet to strategize on Israel’s next steps. Over the weekend, Iran launched over 300 drones and missiles, targeting Israeli territory and causing damage to southern Israel’s Nevatim Airbase. Military Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi stated that Israel would respond, though details were initially not provided.

According to US officials who spoke to NBC News, Israel’s retaliation is expected to be “limited in scope,” targeting Iran’s proxies in the region rather than Iran directly. These strikes are likely to focus on weapon shipments or storage facilities in Syria that support the Lebanese group Hizbullah, avoiding actions that could escalate tensions further or threaten regional stability.

The Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported that Israel had assured Arab countries in the Middle East that its response would not endanger their governments or territories. This reassurance comes amid heightened international calls for restraint, including from US President Joe Biden, who emphasized that while the US helped intercept the initial attack, it would not participate in a counter-strike.

Global leaders from the European Union, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United Nations Secretary-General have also urged caution to prevent a full-scale war. Amid these developments, the G7, led by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, is discussing coordinated sanctions against Iran, reflecting widespread condemnation of the attack and concerns over regional stability.