Israel warns it can “do much more” harm to Iran if Islamic republic choses to escalate tensions

Days after its air force attacked “strategic systems” in Iran, Israel has warned Tehran that it can “do much more” harm if the Islamic Republic choses to escalate tensions in the troubled region.

The head of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), Chief of Staff Lt. Gen, Herzi Halevi, issued the warning on Sunday after Iran said it was weighing its options.

In a video, Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi told other officials that the hour-long bombardment of military sites across Iran early on Saturday had struck “strategic systems”.

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Israel warns Iran

“We drew upon only some of our abilities,” Halevi said in the clip, explaining how Tel Aviv responded to Iran’s massive October 1 ballistic missile barrage on Israel.

“We have the ability to do much more. We hit strategic systems in Iran… and we will see how things develop now. We are ready for all scenarios on all fronts,” the Times of Israel newspaper quoted him as saying.

Israel has indicated it has no wish for further escalation but said it could take more aggressive action if Iran again attacked its territory.

Israel under US pressure

Israeli media reports had earlier warned that Iranian oil as well as nuclear sites could be hit. But Israeli leaders apparently came under pressure from the United States, its chief ally, against attacking these sites.

Lt Gen Halevi said the strike on Iranian military targets had been a “clear message.” He added: “We know how to reach and hit any threat, in any place, at any time.”

The IDF said the air force specifically targeted drone and ballistic missile manufacturing and launch sites as well as air defence batteries.

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Iran is muted, for now

Israel’s targeting of Iranian air defences — reportedly Russian S-300 batteries — appears to have left the country far more open to further attacks if it launches another direct barrage on the Jewish state.

Iranian leaders say Tehran’s “response will be determined by senior officials”.