Israel Vows Retaliation Against Tehran Regime

Latest Developments

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed retaliation against the Tehran regime for the Iranian ballistic missile salvo of October 1. “Iran made a big mistake this evening, and will pay for it,” Netanyahu told his security cabinet as it convened to discuss the more than 180 missiles launched at Israel, most of which were shot down.

“The regime in Tehran does not understand our determination to defend ourselves and to exact retribution from our enemies,” Netanyahu said in the video released by his office. He invoked, as an example of such retribution, senior Hamas and Hezbollah leaders killed by Israel. Netanyahu stated that the Iranian attack had “failed,” citing Israel’s “air defense system, which is the most advanced in the world,” and thanking the United States for its support.

“Israel is on the move, and the axis of evil is retreating,” Netanyahu emphasized. “We will do everything necessary to continue this trend, to achieve all the goals of the war, primarily the return of all our hostages, and to ensure our existence and our future.”

Expert Analysis

“In his first public remarks on this outrageous attack, Netanyahu appears to be signaling that Iranian leaders may soon go the way of their slain Hamas and Hezbollah counterparts — but that the methods may be covert rather than through blunt military force. The mullahs will not be sleeping easily.” — Mark Dubowitz, FDD CEO

“The Islamic Republic is at a strategic impasse. Its proxies are being shattered, its military’s performance is lackluster, its intelligence and security establishment is deeply infiltrated, its economy is fragile, and it is at war with the Iranian nation. Khamenei and his regime are weak, and this is the time to hit them hard, not de-escalate.”  — Saeed Ghasseminejad, FDD Senior Iran and Financial Economics Advisor

Related Analysis

“Iran Escalates Multi-Front Assault on Israel as Missiles Rain on Jewish State,” FDD Flash Brief

“Netanyahu to Iranian People: ‘Israel Stands With You,’” FDD Flash Brief

“The threat of all-out Middle East war looms: two scenarios,” by Mark Dubowitz