2024-08-03 13:14:25
Israel will not hesitate to retaliate if Iran launches an attack in response to the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran this week, a senior Israeli security official warned in an interview today, quoted by DPA.
Tzahi Hanegbi, the chairman of Israel’s National Security Council, compared the current tension to that in April, when Iran fired 330 drones, low-flying cruise missiles and ballistic missiles at Israel. Then Israel, at the request of the US and other allies, did not retaliate, Hanegbi said in an interview with various media outlets, including the German Bild newspaper.
“This is now a new situation. One time we can refrain from answering, but the second time – no,” he declared. “The attack on Israel is something for which they will have to pay a very painful price. I hope they don’t do it. It will be a mistake, Israel is very strong,” he added.
However, Hanegbi does not think Iran wants to start a war.
Iran and its allies, including the Hezbollah group, said there would be “severe punishment” for Israel after Haniya’s assassination on Wednesday, BTA reports.
Iran and Hamas say Israel is responsible for it, but Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement. Hanegby also did not comment on the matter.