Iran's assault against Israel 'will be met with a response,' IDF chief Halevi declares

IDF chief of staff vows response to attempt of harming strategic abilities

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Israel will respond to the unprecedented Iranian attack on its territory last Sunday, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi announced on Monday.

Israel's political and security leadership have decided to respond “clearly and decisively” to Iran's direct attack this past weekend, Israel's N12 news channel reported, mentioning consultations between the political echelon and the security heads.

Both Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi reportedly insisted that any Israeli response should not endanger the coalition of nations that coordinated against the Iranian attacks.

Various reports in Israeli media stated that the War Cabinet would convene again on Tuesday to discuss the response, saying that Israel intended to coordinate its response with the United States.

Halevi visited the Nevatim Airbase on Monday, which was struck by several missiles during the Iranian attack.

During the visit, the IDF chief made clear, that despite the international pressure to refrain from doing so, there would be an Israeli response against Tehran.

“This launch, of so many missiles - cruise missiles and drones - into Israeli territory will be met with a response,” Halevi said.

He also claimed that “Iran wanted to harm the strategic capabilities of the State of Israel,” which is "something that hasn't happened before.”

"Iran will face the consequences of its actions. We will choose our response accordingly," the general stated.

Halevi said Israel's response would be proportionate to avoid jeopardizing the “joint coordination” that played a crucial role in defending the nation. He emphasized that this cooperation sends a clear message: “Iran meets a very, very strong international capability here.”

IDF Spokesman Brig.-Gen. Daniel Hagari claimed that Israel has “a variety of options” for responding to Iran.

“We will do whatever is necessary to defend the State of Israel – and we will do it at the time and time we choose,” Hagari stated.

He also presented evidence of the damage at the Air Force base, demonstrating that it remained operational.

“The operational activity at the Nevatim base continues around the clock. This was damage to infrastructure only,” Hagari stated. “All these damages will be repaired in the coming days, and even today planes took off from this base to defend the skies of the State of Israel.”

In a discussion with Ynet News, a senior U.S. official stated that U.S. President Joe Biden would not prevent Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from launching an attack on Iran.

The official said the U.S. is just as interested in defending America’s interests in the region and, therefore, would not participate in an Israeli response.