### How Might Israel Respond to Iran’s Missile Barrage?
Israel has vowed to retaliate against Iran for the recent missile barrage. Here are the key points:
– **Israeli PM’s Statement**: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Iran “made a big mistake” and “will pay for it” following the missile attack.
– **Joint Air Defenses**: Israel has emphasized the effectiveness of its joint air defenses with the United States in intercepting the Iranian missiles, although some did land in central and southern Israel.
– **Retaliation Plans**: The Israeli military is preparing for potential retaliation, with Daniel Hagari, a spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces, indicating that the authorities are still assessing the full impact of the assault and warning citizens not to reveal targets hit.
– **US Support**: The United States has announced its readiness to offer additional defensive support to Israel, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemning the missile strike as “utterly unacceptable”.
– **Escalation Concerns**: The promise of retaliation raises the danger of a heightened cycle of violence, as Netanyahu escalates his rhetoric against Tehran and threatens to undermine the Islamic Republic’s clerical leadership.
Israel is likely to focus on the Iranian front while continuing operations in Lebanon, aiming to disrupt Iran’s proxy networks and deter future attacks. The situation remains highly volatile, with both sides warning of further escalations.
