ALBAWABA - Iran's Chief of Staff, Major General Mohammad Bagheri, predicts revenge for Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh's killing, warning Israel will regret its actions. Israel is now on alert for a retaliation from Iran and its supporters.
Major General Bagheri said Iran and the opposition axis are meticulously planning their reaction. He said "Different steps must be taken," signaling a calculated counterattack.
At Haniyeh's burial in Tehran, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf agreed. He emphasized the assassination's gravity by asserting Iran's right to reply at its own time and place.
In contrast, Israel has increased its preparation. The Israeli government spokeswoman said Israel will respond harshly to any strike. "Anyone who commits aggression against Israel will pay a very high price, whoever they are," Netanyahu said.
The Israeli news site "Walla" stated that the army had canceled combat unit leave due to the heightened alert level. According to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority, the air defense system is on maximum alert to intercept threats from all directions.
Under heightened alert, Air Force fighter planes patrol Israel's sky. The Broadcasting Authority said that border ground soldiers are more prepared for emergencies.
Israeli estimates suggest Hezbollah will respond strongly. Iran may also struggle not to respond for Haniyeh's killing on its grounds.
Due to the high warning, the Home Front Command has ordered northern factories with hazardous products to empty or reduce their supplies.
