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Early Saturday, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced that it had completed a reactive operation against Iran. The IDF stated the strikes were carried out in response to continuous attacks on Israel and its citizens.
Early Saturday, Israeli forces launched precision strikes on military targets in Iran in response to a ballistic missile attack on October 1, according to officials. The Israeli military noted, “The regime in Iran and its proxies in the region have been relentlessly attacking Israel since October 7 on seven fronts, including direct attacks from Iranian soil. Like every other sovereign nation, Israel has the right and duty to respond.”
Military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari stated on X that Israel had "fully mobilized" its offensive and defensive systems ahead of the operation. He urged citizens to stay vigilant, as Israel heightened its defense alert.
Iran previously warned that any strike on its territory would prompt a stronger retaliation.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the completion of its operation against Iran, achieving all mission objectives with all aircraft returning safely. The Israeli Air Force (IAF) targeted missile manufacturing sites responsible for producing missiles fired at Israel over the past year. Additionally, the IDF struck surface-to-air missile systems aimed at limiting Israel's aerial operations in Iran.
"The State of Israel reserves the right to defend its citizens if the Iranian regime continues attacks against Israel and its civilians," the IDF stated.
Biden Urges Israel to Ensure Targeted, Proportional Response
U.S. President Biden has encouraged Israel to maintain a targeted and proportional response with minimal civilian risk, according to a senior administration official. “President Biden worked with Israeli leaders in recent weeks to promote an approach aimed at reducing civilian harm, and it appears that’s what happened,” the official stated.
The White House was notified shortly before Israel launched airstrikes on Iran early Saturday, though a U.S. defense official confirmed no U.S. involvement. The strikes occurred during U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken's visit to Israel, aiming to mediate peace efforts in the Middle East.
Alongside Iran, Israel also conducted strikes in Syria, with explosions reported in Damascus. Since late September, Israeli forces have launched operations in Syria and Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah “terror sites.”
The Israeli military faced criticism after a strike at 3 a.m. on a journalist compound in southeast Lebanon on Friday resulted in the deaths of three journalists.
Iran Reports "Limited Damage" from Israeli Attacks on Military Bases
Iran's air defense forces confirmed that Israeli strikes targeted several military sites in Tehran and other cities on Saturday, causing "limited damage." In a statement, Iran referred to Israel as a "fake regime" and specified that the attacks impacted military facilities in Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam provinces, while some were intercepted.
Iran Warns Israel of "Proportional Reaction" After Strikes
Following Israeli strikes on its military sites, Iran declared it is prepared to respond to any Israeli "aggression," according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency. Iranian sources warned that "Israel will face a proportional reaction" for its actions. Meanwhile, the Israeli army cautioned Iran that it would "pay a heavy price" if it initiates further escalation in the region.
Israeli troops are fighting directly with Hezbollah fighters on the ground.
Several Israeli soldiers have been killed in mortar attacks and ambushes by Hezbollah during operations in southern Lebanon aimed at “eliminating terrorists”, according to the IDF.
Hezbollah said its fighters had clashed with Israeli forces in Qouzah and Aita al-Shaab - Lebanese villages close to the border with Israel. It also says it has fired rockets targeting Israeli personnel between Markaba and Odaisseh.
A ground operation in southern Lebanon comes with many risks for Israeli forces. Unlike the flat coastal plains of Gaza, southern Lebanon has rolling hills and some mountainous terrain that makes it difficult for tanks to move easily without fear of being ambushed.
Hezbollah is also thought to have a network of tunnels in the region, with the group having been preparing for another full-scale conflict with Israel since the 34-day war in 2006.
