A flex of its muscular might, Israel recently launched more than 100 aircraft over Iranian terrain in an operation designed to focus on military bases in Iran’s Ilam, Khuzestan, and Tehran provinces. Airstrikes carried out without touching any of Iran’s nuclear and oil facilities were meant as a response to growing hostilities without pushing the region into full-blown conflict. This elaborate and extensive action proves the thorough preparation and alertness of the Israeli forces because of the menace posed by Iran and its partners.
The Operation Taken
According to reports, Israeli forces carried out three waves of “accurate attacks” where, they first targeted the radar and defense systems of its air force, setting up platforms for future attacks on several military institutions. Israel’s goal, most probably, went beyond neutralizing immediate threats but also to assert its capabilities to Iran without hitting sensitive areas, which would provoke a strong response. Personally, I believe this is a careful strategy of Israel by refraining from taking on oil and nuclear sites, they might hope to keep the operations contained, though whether this will practically prevent escalation remains a big question.
IDF: 𝐀 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐠𝐨, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐃𝐅 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐧𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐫𝐚𝐧.
Our planes have safely returned home.
The strike was…
— Israel ישראל (@Israel) October 26, 2024Behind the Scenes at the Kirya Base
The operation was planned from the headquarters of Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi at the Kirya base in Tel Aviv, which would indicate coordination at the highest level. Indeed, it was through a late-night phone conference that Israel’s Security Cabinet ratified the attacks; hence, the critical urge from the leadership over Iran’s hegemony in the region.
The IDF is fully prepared for any retaliatory moves, monitoring Iran and its allies closely,” said IDF Spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari reassuringly in a press statement. At this time, there are no changes to the guidelines of Israel’s Home Front Command but the IDF urges citizens to exercise caution.
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U.S. Response and International Repercussions
The White House supported the strikes, describing Israel’s actions as part of its right to self-defense. American officials said they were briefed hours before the attack, with President Joe Biden closely monitoring the situation. This U.S. support gives Israel a significant diplomatic cushion, though it also hints that the U.S. wants to see a careful approach that doesn’t worsen regional tensions.
Given their history, it is evident that when one extreme move by one incites an immediate reaction from the other. In fact, Israeli-targeted attacks to steer clear of nuclear and oil sites reveal a hope on their part to avoid open confrontation but are still vaguely established as long as Iran fully declares its readiness for retaliation.
Preparing for Retaliation
The Israeli military stands more vigilant, its members observing that retaliation from Iran’s proxies in Iraq, Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon may come independently of Iran. The IDF has kept on standby its 669 Rescue Unit as part of long-range operations, representing Israel’s restrained attitude and preparation.
This recent operation shows how fast the situation can change in the Middle East, especially with two traditional, global superpowers like Iran and Israel. Only time will tell if the calculated strikes will cool off the sense of tension, or if they are just before announcing a big boom. For now, though, both nations are poised to see who will make the next move in this ongoing and volatile standoff.
Minutes by M31GlobalNews
