Israeli officials have revealed that Hezbollah's response to the assassination of one of its leaders in Beirut last week may involve targeting the army's headquarters in central Tel Aviv. The officials told Axios that Hezbollah's retaliation could also include striking the Mossad headquarters and intelligence bases, some of which are located near civilian areas. They noted that Israel's response to any potential Hezbollah attack on civilians would be disproportionate.
Additionally, Channel 12 reported that security assessments indicate Hezbollah is likely to initiate the attack. Meanwhile, an Iranian security source stated that long-range air-to-air missile tests could be conducted during military exercises, which will involve joint training between the army and the Revolutionary Guards in western and central regions of Iran.
This follows a report from Iranian news agency IRNA, which stated that the Iranian military's eastern air defense sites had been equipped with radar systems, missiles, and locally made drones in the presence of Air Defense Forces Commander Ali Reza Sabahi Fard. Concurrently, Iran reiterated through its army commander that a response to the assassination of Haniya is inevitable, insisting that Israeli assassinations will not go unanswered.
Amidst these developments, there have been leaks from several U.S. officials predicting that Iran's response will be limited. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah reaffirmed on Tuesday that a response is unavoidable, whether for the assassination of prominent Hezbollah figure Fouad Shukr or Haniya.
In recent days, concerns have escalated regarding a military escalation between Iran and its allies on one side and Israel on the other, particularly following Haniya's assassination in Tehran and Shukr's killing in an Israeli strike in the southern Beirut suburbs last week. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for Haniya's assassination. In light of rising tensions, the United States has announced the strengthening of its military presence in the region by deploying more warships and fighter jets to protect its troops and its ally, Israel. International parties are working at multiple levels to avoid escalation in the region.
