Israeli Leaders Promise Retaliation for Iranian Missile Attack

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a statement at a meeting of his security cabinet Tuesday evening shortly after the Iranian missile attack which saw almost 200 ballistic missiles fired at Israel. Although most of the missiles were intercepted and damage was light and there were few casualties, Netanyahu vowed that Iran would pay a heavy price for its attempt to damage the Jewish State.

“Iran made a big mistake tonight - and it will pay for it," he said. "The regime in Tehran does not understand our determination to defend ourselves and to exact a price from our enemies."

“We are fighting the axis of evil everywhere, including our heroic soldiers who are now operating in southern Lebanon and Gaza,” Netanyahu stated. "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.”

US officials including National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan issued a statement of support for Israel and reinforcing the message that Iran would pay a severe price. At the behest of the US State Department, many governments around the world condemned Iran for the attack, but most also called for a cease-fire and cautioned against Israeli retaliation.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also spoke up, posting on X that Iran had the ability to launch many more attacks and each one “will become stronger and more painful on the worn and rotting body of the Zionist regime.”

Meanwhile, government officials and other interested parties all over the Middle East and the world made statements to the effect that they hope these rhetorical battles will not be translated into concrete action. But there is every indication that they will, and preparations are being made accordingly.