Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has called for a "crazy response" to the Iranian attack that occurred on Saturday evening, while his colleague, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, emphasized that Israel's existence is "under existential threat."
Ben Gvir stated in a statement: "To create deterrence in the Middle East, the response must be crazy." He added: "Israel's response to Iran should not be a scare tactic. The concepts of proportionality and containment have vanished since October 7."
For his part, Smotrich said that "restraint should not be exercised" against Iran, highlighting that "the eyes of the entire Middle East and the whole world are on the state of Israel." He continued: "If Israel does not respond, we will put ourselves and our children in direct existential danger."
He explained: "If our response resonates throughout the Middle East for generations to come, we will prevail. If we hesitate, we will expose ourselves and our children to immediate existential risk. Our fate is in our hands. This is the right time for a leadership capable of restoring deterrence and having the courage to restore security for the citizens of Israel."
Defense Minister Benny Gantz revealed that Israel "is still considering its response and will determine the price Iran will pay at the right time and in the right manner for us." Iran launched a widespread attack on Israel in retaliation for the targeting of its consulate in Damascus, which included hundreds of rockets and drones.
