The Biden administration was informed of Israel’s plans to strike Iran in retaliation for a ballistic missile attack on Oct. 1 days before the strike took place. Multiple conversations were held between U.S. and Israeli officials, with the exact time of the attack communicated to Washington on Friday. Speculation began when the U.S. Central Command deployed additional F-16’s to the region. White House National Security Council communications director John Kirby did not confirm the pending Israeli attack but emphasized U.S. support and commitment to Jerusalem. Israel began its retaliatory strikes early Saturday morning local time, targeting military installations in Iran in response to the Oct. 1 missile attack.
The operation was dubbed “Days of Repentance” and was initiated against military targets in Iran as an exercise of self-defense following the ballistic missile attack on Israel. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) sent some 140 Air Force planes into the skies for the assault, with the operation completed within three hours. The Pentagon released a statement confirming Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant to receive updates on the strikes. The U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to Israel’s security and right to self-defense, emphasizing the enhanced force posture to defend U.S. personnel, Israel, and partners in the region.
Following the strikes, IDF Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari issued a warning to Iran, stating that any new round of escalation would lead to a response from Israel. Strikes on military bases in Syria and Iraq were also reported, though not mentioned by the IDF. Israeli news outlets reported damage to Iran’s air defense system. Tasnim news agency, with ties to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, stated that Iran reserved the right to respond to any attack. The aggressive actions between Israel and Iran were expected to continue, according to Iranian sources.
The effectiveness of Israel’s strikes in Iran have not been commented on by U.S. or Israeli officials. Local Israeli news reported damage to Iran’s air defense, with the IRGC headquarters in Tehran allegedly hit. Reports from various sources conflicted, with Lebanese pro-Hezbollah network claiming that air defense systems intercepted all hostile targets in Tehran, while the IDF claimed successful strikes on missile manufacturing facilities and other Iranian aerial capabilities. The IDF stated that the missiles targeted posed a direct threat to the citizens of Israel.
The ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran have raised concerns about further escalation. Both sides have indicated their readiness to respond to any provocations, with Israel demonstrating its capability and resolve to defend itself against any threats. The U.S. has reiterated its support for Israel’s security and right to self-defense, with an enhanced force posture in the region to deter potential threats. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further military engagements between Israel and Iran.
