The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) declared on Monday that the successful interceptions of Iranian-launched drones and missiles by Israel will now be referred to as “Iron Shield.”
IRON SHIELD
“‘Iron Shield’ is the official name of the interception and thwarting operation against the Iranian attack on Saturday,” the IDF said on X (previously Twitter)
Iran fired drones and missiles in a historic action to avenge the attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, the capital of Syria, on April 1. Tehran holds Tel Aviv accountable for the incident. This was Iran’s first direct military assault on Israel. A maximum of sixteen individuals perished, comprising members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
According to the IDF, 99% of Iran’s 170 drones and 150 missiles (30 cruises and 120 ballistic) were intercepted by its fighter planes and air defence systems, working in tandem with its coalition of partners led by the United States.
Despite supporting Israel and denouncing Iran, the West has advised the former not to respond to the “provocation” because Israel and Hamas are currently at war in the Middle East.
Iran, however, has threatened to respond to any possible Israeli military strike with a “strong response.”
Israel’s response
The Times of Israel reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s War Cabinet had concluded its deliberations over the Jewish state’s retaliation. It further stated that there were “reports” that a counterattack may occur “as soon as Monday.”
Other media take
According to Channel 12’s report, the War Cabinet decided to respond “clearly and forcefully” to convey to Iran that Israel “will not allow an attack of that magnitude to pass without a reaction.”
In a related story, the Axios note site stated that Israel’s Minister of Defence, Yoav Gallant, informed his US colleague Lloyd Austin that Israel had “no choice but to respond” since ballistic missiles were being used.
Cyberattacks, targeted strikes on state-owned sites like Iranian oil infrastructure, strikes on personnel and infrastructure connected to Tehran’s nuclear programme, and targeting one of its “proxies” in the region (Hamas, Hezbollah, and Houthis) are among the retaliatory options on the table, according to The Wall Street Journal.
According to the WSJ, attacking Iranian nuclear sites would be “unlikely” out of these since it would require US finance and assistance.