How will Israel respond to Iran's retaliatory actions?

On the early morning of the 14th local time, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard issued a statement announcing the launch of dozens of missiles and drones towards Israeli targets as retaliation for the Israeli military's previous attack on Iran's diplomatic agency in Syria.

It is reported that Iran has named this retaliatory action "Integrity Commitment". From the night of the 13th to the early morning of the 14th local time, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard fired multiple cruise and ballistic missiles at Israel and dispatched drones to launch an attack,

According to updated data released by the Israeli military on the 14th, Iran launched 170 drones, 30 cruise missiles, and 120 ballistic missiles at Israel, of which 99% were intercepted, resulting in "minor damage" to one Israeli military base. However, there are differences between the data released by Israel and the relevant media reports.

Regarding this attack, Iran's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amir Said Irawani, spoke at an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council on the same day, stating that Iran's military actions against Israel are exercising its "inherent right to self-defense" and that Tehran has no choice.

US military expert Ritter posted on social media platform X that at least 7 hypersonic missiles hit Israel's Nevatim Air Force Base and were not intercepted.

In addition, media reports and several video footage taken from afar have confirmed the "fast and powerful" strikes of ballistic missiles or hypersonic missiles, once again proving the shortcomings of Israel's air defense system, including the so-called "Iron Dome" system. In addition, the video footage also confirmed that another important base in the Negev Desert, Ramon Air Force Base, was hit by multiple missiles.

After the attack, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on the 14th stating that Iran must pay the price for its "aggressive behavior" and calling for the implementation of new sanctions against Iran.

On the same day, Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated in an interview with CNN that "this is a very aggressive and barbaric attack that looks like a declaration of war." However, he immediately added, "We are not seeking war, we are always seeking peace." Herzog believes that Iran's attack is part of a broader action against Israel, and any future response from Israel will be defensive.

Local Israeli media reported that there are still differences in the timing and manner of the Israeli wartime cabinet's response to Iran's attacks. After several hours of discussion, the Israeli wartime cabinet has not yet decided how and when to respond to Iran's missile and drone attacks. The discussion has stopped and the meeting is expected to be reconvened soon.

After the attack, US President Biden urged Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu not to immediately retaliate against Iran, and the US will not support any Israeli counterattack against Iran; On the 14th local time, US Secretary of Defense Austin also stated that the US is not seeking conflict with Iran, but will continue to take all necessary actions to protect the safety of Israel and the Americans.

UN Secretary General Guterres once again called on both Israel and Iran to immediately cease hostilities and reiterated that launching attacks on a country's territory is not in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, and attacks on diplomatic premises also violate international law.

Guterres also said, "Working for peace is our common responsibility. Currently, regional and even global security and stability are constantly being undermined, and neither the Middle East nor the world can afford another war."

From a historical perspective, despite continuous friction in previous decades, Iran and Israel have always been striving to avoid direct and open confrontation. And this is Iran's first direct attack on Israeli territory, which has raised concerns among global analysts that Iran's retaliatory strike may herald further escalation of conflict in the region. Recently, countries such as China, the United States, and Russia have also issued warnings not to go to Israel or Iran in the near future.

In terms of strength, Israel's comprehensive strength, especially military strength, is far superior to Iran. However, as a powerful Islamic country, Israel also has concerns about Iran. At the same time, based on Israel's attitude and the reactions of the United Nations and the United States after the Iran attack, Israel has generally maintained restraint and should not take reckless or large-scale retaliatory actions against Iran for the time being. As for what kind of counterattack actions will be taken, further observation is needed.