Continuation of Islamic Republic's Proxy Attacks and Israel's Response Coinciding with October 7 Anniversary

On the anniversary of the terrorist attack by Hamas militants on Israel on October 7, 2023, the attacks by Islamic Republic proxy groups on Israel and the response of the Israeli army continued on Monday. The Israeli army announced that on the morning of Monday, October 16, Hamas forces launched several rockets from Gaza into Israel. In the afternoon, the Houthis fired a ballistic missile from Yemen towards Israel, which resulted in no casualties. On Monday evening, the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah claimed to have targeted an Israeli army intelligence base near Tel Aviv, firing a missile at the Galilout base of military intelligence Unit 8200. In response, the Israeli army stated that five long-range rockets were fired from Lebanon towards central Israel, some of which were intercepted by air defense, while the others landed in open fields, causing no damage or casualties. Hours later, Lebanese state media reported two Israeli army attacks in southern Beirut following a warning for residents to evacuate the area. AFP later reported that its correspondent witnessed smoke rising from the outskirts of Beirut. According to the official Lebanese news agency, Israeli attacks have expanded to areas in southern Lebanon, including coastal villages. The Israeli army warned on Monday that it would extend its operations against Hezbollah to the shores of Lebanon south of the Al-Awali River. These developments occurred on October 7, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in remarks commemorating the anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, stated: 'We will continue to fight united until victory, for the sake of future generations and all humanity.' U.S. President Joe Biden also emphasized Washington's support for Israel to defend itself against the Islamic Republic and its proxy forces during a call with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on the anniversary of the Hamas attack supported by the Iranian government. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris stated: 'We must not forget October 7, and we must not allow this incident to be repeated, while supporting Israel's right to defend itself and emphasizing the need to ensure the security of Jews worldwide, we will also continue to fight for the freedom of all hostages held by Hamas.' The U.S. stated that dissuading Israel from responding to the Islamic Republic's attack has never been considered. The U.S. imposed sanctions on four individuals and several entities linked to Hamas. The emphasis of the U.S. on supporting Israel against the Islamic Republic on the anniversary of the Hamas attack was noted. Iranian activists on the anniversary of the Hamas attack called for an end to the madness of 'death merchants.' From Khamenei to oil facilities; potential targets of Israel according to an American general. Prince Reza Pahlavi stated: 'We will not allow a power vacuum to occur after the fall of the regime.'