Israel Warns Islamic Republic After End of 'Retaliatory Attacks': 'Do Not Make a Mistake' by Escalating Tensions Further

Following Israel's attacks on the positions of the Islamic Republic, Daniel Hagari, the spokesperson for the Israeli army, warned the Islamic Republic not to 'make a mistake' by escalating tensions further. Hagari stated in English: 'I can confirm that we have responded to the attacks [by the Iranian government] against Israel.' The Israeli army spokesperson mentioned that the 'targeted and precise attacks against military objectives' of the Islamic Republic neutralized 'immediate threats' against Israel and that the Israeli army has completed its mission. Daniel Hagari warned that if the Islamic Republic 'makes the mistake of starting a new round of tensions, we will be obliged to respond.' He continued: 'Our message is clear: all those who threaten the state of Israel and seek to drag the region into further tensions will pay a heavy price.' The Israeli army stated: 'Today we demonstrated that we have the capability and determination for decisive action, and we are prepared to defend the state of Israel and its people in both defensive and offensive capacities.' On Saturday morning, November 5, coinciding with sunrise in Iran, the Israeli army announced that the 'precise and targeted' attacks on military objectives of the Islamic Republic in various regions of Iran had concluded, and Israeli aircraft successfully returned to their bases. The Israeli army regarded these attacks as a response to a recent Iranian attack on Israel, asserting that 'the mission was successfully completed.' Israel explained that based on available information, Israeli Air Force fighters attacked missile production facilities in Iran, which were used to manufacture missiles that had been fired at Israel over the past year and posed a direct threat to Israeli citizens. Additionally, ground-to-air missile systems and other air capabilities of the Iranian government designed to limit Israel's air freedom were targeted. The Israeli army added: 'At this stage, we attacked strategic targets deep within Iranian territory using our offensive operational capabilities, but we reserve the right to defend our citizens if Iranian attacks continue, and we are still assessing the situation and preparing for further defensive and offensive actions.' Israeli defense forces launched extensive attacks against military objectives of the Islamic Republic in Iran on the morning of Saturday, November 5. These attacks, which the Israeli army stated were in response to Iranian missile attacks on Israel on October 1, were conducted in several waves with the participation of over 100 fighter jets. According to the Jerusalem Post, this operation focused on key military infrastructure of the Islamic Republic, including missile and drone production facilities, ballistic missile launchers, and air defense systems. Israeli sources indicated that these attacks aimed to weaken the military capabilities of the Iranian government and prevent future attacks. The attacks coincided with reports of massive explosions heard in Tehran and several other cities. Some news sources also reported the activation of the Iranian air defense and scattered clashes. Meanwhile, Iranian state media attempted to downplay the significance of these attacks, emphasizing that oil and petrochemical facilities were not targeted. While state media tried to portray the attacks of Saturday morning as insignificant, some domestic news sources confirmed that several military bases in Tehran and the western part of the country were targeted. Additionally, Iranian air defense was activated in some areas, and reports of explosions in Parchin and Kermanshah emerged. However, the Iranian Civil Aviation Organization closed the country's airspace two hours after the start of the Israeli attacks and suspended domestic and international flight operations. Iraq also halted all flights due to regional tensions. While state media attempted to show normal operations at Mehrabad and Khomeini airports, field reports indicated changes in flight paths and disruptions in passenger movement. The Iranian air defense command stated regarding the Israeli attack on Saturday morning that: 'Despite repeated warnings from Iranian officials to Israel to refrain from provocative actions, this country continued to escalate tensions by attacking several military centers in Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam provinces.' The statement claimed that 'the integrated air defense system of the country countered these attacks and was able to successfully intercept them. However, limited damage was inflicted on some areas, and the extent of this incident is under investigation.' The spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council confirmed in response to these attacks that the United States was aware of Israel's plans before the attack began but did not participate in the operation. Kamala Harris, the U.S. Vice President, also stated that she is closely monitoring the developments. Meanwhile, Republican senators in the U.S. supported Israel's attacks and urged the Biden administration to stand by Israel. Lloyd Austin, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, also spoke with Yoav Gallant, the Israeli Defense Minister, on Friday and received the latest information regarding the Israeli army's attacks on military targets in Iran. Austin reiterated the United States' enduring commitment to Israel's security and its right to self-defense. He also emphasized increasing the presence of American forces to defend U.S. personnel, Israel, and other regional partners against threats from Iran and its supported terrorist groups. After announcing the end of its military operations in Iran, Israel emphasized that it would continue retaliatory attacks and self-defense if Iranian attacks persist. Israeli sources confirmed that the Israeli security cabinet unanimously approved these attacks and issued the order for their execution.