Emmanuel Ukudolo I Monday, April 15, 2024
TEL AVIV – There are indications that the Middle East will be the battleground for a full blown war in matter of days following the decision of Israel to attack Iran after an unprecedented attack on Israel following the attack on its consulate in Damascus during which 14 people were killed, among them several commanders of Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps(IRGC).
The Iranian attack had no civilian casualty based on information available apart from military targets, such as the Nevatim Airbase. But the attack has been described by British Secretary of State, Mr. David Cameron as disproportionate.
Already, the Israeli Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant has informed US Defense Secretary, Austin Lloyd that Israel has no choice but to respond to Iranian attack. Israel’s Chief of General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi who visited the Nevatim Airbase with the Commanding Officer of the Nevatim Airbase, Brig. Gen. Yotam Sigler said missiles sent into the territory of the State of Israel will be met with a response
During the visit, the Chief of the General Staff toured F-35I Adir Squadron (140) and held discussions with aircrews and commanders of the squadron, who participated in thwarting and intercepting the Iranian attack against Israel as part of Operation “Iron Shield.”
He said: “Look, in short, Iran wanted to harm the strategic capabilities of the State of Israel, which is something that has not happened in the past. We prepared in Operation ‘Iron Shield’, and this readiness brought Iran to encounter aerial superiority that you displayed very well.
“Last Monday, we saw what was being organized, and we think that the State of Israel is very strong and knows how to cope on its own, but with such a widespread and distant threat, we are always happy to have support, and I tell you, there was a phone call to the Commander of the United States Central Command, General Kurilla, last Monday, and by Thursday morning he had already landed in Israel.
“We started joint coordination. There is something in this statement – Iran is encountering here a very very strong international capability. Look, as we look forward, we weigh our steps, and this launch of so many missiles, cruise missiles, UAVs to the territory of the State of Israel will be met with a response”, he said, adding “to sum up this visit, excellent people are conducting excellent processes and achieving excellent results.
“It is very very significant. I think you are very well prepared and I trust this capability very much going forward for what will be required”, he said.
Meanwhile, Tehran has said it does not support increased tensions in the Middle East but it will react instantly and stronger than before if Israel responds.
In a message to the United Nations, Iran said the military action against Israel was carried out based on Article 51 of the United Nations Charter concerning legitimate defense and that it was in response to the aggression of the zionist regime on its diplomatic buildings in Damascus.
“This matter can be considered concluded. However, if the “israeli” regime makes another mistake, Iran’s response will be much more severe. This is a conflict between Iran and the rogue “israeli” regime, which the United States should stay away from”, Iran warned.
Spokesperson for the Iranian Parliament’s Committee on National Security and Foreign Policy, Abu Al-Fadl Amoui said Iran does not want any tension in the region, but that the occupation’s crimes in Gaza are what destabilizes it.
“Washington supports the zionists, who act irrationally, and it is clear that the Americans cannot control them.
“We call on all countries to step aside and not support the zionists in their crimes, especially their crime in Damascus.
“The best thing Americans can do to help the zionists is to force them to stop the aggression.
“Iran wanted the operation “The Truthful Promise” to be under its signature. The noose is tightening on the zionists, and international support for the Palestinians is increasing after the world witnessed the crimes committed by the occupation against them.
“The attack on Iranian advisors and facilities will not go unpunished.
“We have the capability to receive signals from the places where our drones and missiles fall, and we have achieved our goals by striking two military bases.
“Western countries have asked us not to include them in the response.
“We will respond proportionately to any potential “israeli” aggression.
“We will use reason and courage in dealing with various scenarios.
“We are ready to use weapons that we have not used before, we have plans for all scenarios, and we call for the zionists to act rationally”, he said, adding “we are witnessing an increase in communications today and will confront any “israeli” aggression and respond to it.
“The Iranian response to the zionist entity was precise, and we did not use anything significant from our strength.
“Our response to the zionist entity was legitimate and necessary to put an end to its violations and crimes.
“From Tehran, our message is one of peace and readiness”, he noted.
Meanwhile,Russia is working on protecting Iran if Israel strikes Iran.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu haa announced in a letter to the US Department of Defense that if Israel launches a possible retaliatory attack against Iran, Russia will also participate in the Iranian counterattack.
