NEWSMAX
Israeli leaders vowed Israel would respond harshly after the Iranian regime launched some 190 ballistic missiles at the country on Tuesday evening, sending millions of Israelis into bomb shelters for around an hour.
“This evening, Iran made a big mistake – and it will pay for it. The regime in Tehran does not understand our determination to defend ourselves and to exact a price from our enemies,” said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the start of the Security Cabinet meeting later in the evening.
“Sinwar and Deif did not understand this; neither did Nasrallah or Mohsen. Apparently, there are those in Tehran who do not understand this either. They will. We will keep to the rule we have determined: Whoever attacks us – we attack them,” Netanyahu vowed.
“Today, more than ever, the forces of light in the world must unite and work together against the ayatollahs’ dark regime, which is the source of terror and evil in our region. They must stand alongside Israel. The choice has never been more clear, between tyranny and freedom, between the blessing and the curse.”
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant concurred, saying that “Iran has not learned a simple lesson – those who attack the State of Israel, pay a heavy price.”
Gallant added that he had spent the evening in the IDF’s “command and control center together with senior defense officials, closely watching the IDF’s successful defense against the Iranian missile attack on Israel.”
Shortly after giving the all-clear at the end of the missile assault, IDF Spokesman Brig. Gen. Daniel Hagari called it “a severe and dangerous escalation,” and emphasized, “There will be consequences.”
“Our defensive and offensive capabilities are at the highest levels of readiness. Our operational plans are ready. We will respond wherever, whenever, and however we choose, in accordance with the directive of the government of Israel,” Hagari added.
In another press briefing, Hagari reiterated, “This assault will have consequences. We have plans, we will act where and when we decide.”
Leaders from across Israel’s political spectrum, including leading opposition politicians, expressed support for a harsh response against Iran.
