IDF bolsters air defense array, calls up reservists
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Wednesday that it bolstered its air defense array and had called up reservists, as the country girded for a potential Iranian response to a strike in Syria earlier this week in which several high-ranking Iranian military officials were killed.
A Channel 12 news report reflecting Israeli speculation on a possible reprisal pointed to the possibility that Iran could respond by directly launching missiles from its own territory rather than via any of its proxy groups in Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen.
Both Iran and Hezbollah have vowed that Israel will be punished for the Monday attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed on Wednesday revenge for the Monday strike, and posters parroting his words have gone up around Tehran in a sign of public pressure for an Iranian response.
“Desperate efforts like the one they committed in Syria will not save them from defeat. Of course, they will also be slapped for that action,” Khamenei said in a speech to the country’s officials in Tehran.
Defense Minister of Israel Yoav Gallant said earlier on Wednesday that Israel is “increasing preparedness” in the face of threats from across the Middle East.
Speaking at a home-front readiness drill in Haifa, Gallant said that the country’s defense establishment is “expanding our operations against Hezbollah, against other bodies that threaten us,” and reiterated that Israel “strikes our enemies all over the Middle East.”
“We need to be prepared and ready for every scenario and every threat” against near enemies and distant enemies,” Gallant said.