Hezbollah militants claim to have executed a drone strike on Israel on Monday, as the nation prepares for potential Iranian threats of a significant escalation in hostilities.
For weeks, tensions between Israel and Iran, along with its militant affiliates, have been on the brink of erupting into full-scale conflict. Iran has promised a broader retaliation following the death of Hamas’ top political figure on its territory last week.
Hezbollah labeled Monday’s attack as a reaction to what it alleged were “attacks and killings” carried out by Israel.
Hamas’ political leader Ismail Haniyeh was slain in Iran’s capital last week, while Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukur was killed in Beirut. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed the killing of Shukur but did not take responsibility for Haniyeh’s death.
ISRAEL READIES FOR POSSIBLE IRANIAN ATTACK AMID WARNINGS OF NUCLEAR WEAPON ADVANCEMENTS: ‘UNNERVING’
Split image of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian leader Ayatollah Khamenei.
(Getty Images/Ma’ayan Toaf (GPO))
Following the assassinations, Iranian General Hossein Salami issued a severe warning to Israel.
BIDEN ADMINISTRATION FACING PRESSURE TO HALT BILLIONS IN SANCTIONS RELIEF TO IRAN
“They will witness the consequences of their error. They will discover when, how, and where they will receive their response,” Salami proclaimed in a speech, stating that Israel was “digging its own grave.”
Nasser Kanaani, spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, asserted on Monday that Iran holds “the intrinsic right to ensure its security and retaliate against aggressors” and will take “serious and decisive deterrent actions.” He emphasized that such actions would align with international law and the right to self-defense.
Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed by an explosion in the Iranian capital.
He further remarked that Iran “does not seek to escalate tensions in the region” and called on the international community to support Iran in holding Israel accountable.
Moreover, Iran has accused Israel of attempting to eliminate Iranian nuclear scientists to obstruct what Tehran describes as its peaceful nuclear research initiatives.
ISRAEL’S ‘BITTER ENEMY’ HEZBOLLAH DECLARES IT WOULD FIGHT ALONE IF CONFLICT ESCALATES
“Israel is the birthplace of terrorism, formed through violence and murder,” Salami stated. “They believe that by targeting the nuclear scientists of another nation, they can inhibit that country’s pursuit of peaceful nuclear technology. They think that by killing the leader of a resistance faction … in another nation will prolong their existence.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a debriefing with military leaders.
(Ma’ayan Toaf (GPO))
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Israel asserts it is ready to respond to any acts of aggression from Iran or its militant allies.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
