Israel Plans Massive Payback After Iran’s Missile Attack; India Issues Travel Advisory

New Delhi: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stern warning to Iran following the missile attack on Tuesday.

Speaking at the opening of a security cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said Israel’s advanced air defense system successfully thwarted the Iranian missile strike. “The regime in Iran does not understand our determination to defend ourselves and retaliate against our enemies,” he said, while calling the attacks a “big mistake”.

He also directed his warning toward Hamas, Hezbollah, and other regional actors who he claimed have underestimated Israel’s military strength.  “Whoever attacks us — we will attack them,” he added, stressing Israel’s preparedness to defend itself against threats from Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, and Iran.

Possible Targets

According to Israeli officials, Iran’s oil facilities could be a likely target. Targeted assassinations and taking out Iran’s air defense systems are also possibilities, Axios reported.

The Israeli response could include airstrikes from fighter jets as well as clandestine operations similar to the one that killed Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran two months ago, it added.

US Provides Assistance

Netanyahu also expressed his gratitude to the United States for its assistance in repelling the attack and called for global unity against Iran.

US President Joe Biden has reportedly directed the US military to assist Israel by intercepting Iranian missiles targeting the country. Alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, Biden is closely monitoring the ongoing Iranian offensive against Israel and is receiving regular updates from officials, according to news agency ANI.

A US official said in talks between the Biden administration and the Israeli government on Tuesday the U.S. made clear it supports an Israeli response but that it thinks it needs to be measured.

Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian justified the missile strikes as a defence against Israeli aggression. Responding via his official X account, he warned Netanyahu against escalating the conflict. “Let Netanyahu know that Iran is not belligerent, but it stands firmly against any threat. This is only a corner of our power. Do not enter into a conflict with Iran,” he wrote.

Iran further stated that it will attack again if Israel responds with force.

Netanyahu’s Message To Iranian People

On Monday, Netanyahu delivered a rare and direct message to the Iranian people, declaring that Israel stands with them as it combats Tehran’s proxies, such as the Lebanon-based Hezbollah militant group. “Every day, you witness a regime that oppresses you while making fiery speeches about defending Lebanon and Gaza. Yet, this regime plunges our region deeper into darkness and war,” Netanyahu said in a statement broadcast on YouTube and other platforms.

“You deserve better. Your children deserve better. I know you don’t support the rapists and murderers of Hamas and Hezbollah, but your leaders do. The people of Iran should know that Israel stands with you,” he said.

India issues travel advisory

Meanwhile, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has advised Indians against travelling to Iran amid the escalating tension: “We are closely monitoring the recent escalation in security situation in the region. Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Iran. Those currently residing in Iran are requested to remain vigilant and stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Tehran.”