Israel completed a three-hour airstrike on Iranian targets early Saturday, 25 days after Tehran's October 1 ballistic missile attack on Israel.
The IDF announced that all aircraft had safely returned to base following the operation, which reportedly targeted around 20 sites, according to the New York Times.
"The strike was conducted in response to recent attacks by the Iranian regime against Israel and its citizens," the IDF said in a statement, adding that the "retaliatory strike has been completed, and the mission was fulfilled."
IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari underscored Israel’s resolve to defend itself, warning that Israel would respond if Iran continued to escalate violence in the region.
IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari announces conclusion of attack on Iran
Israeli strike on Iran on Saturday
According to the IDF, Israeli Air Force planes targeted missile production sites, surface-to-air missile arrays and other Iranian aerial assets intended to limit Israel’s operational freedom.
Avoiding attacks on sites that could provoke a broader war, Israel focused on non-nuclear military targets, excluding Iran’s oil and nuclear facilities. Military sources said dozens of Israeli aircraft carried out the strikes across multiple areas in Iran, roughly 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) from Israel's borders.
"The extent of the damage will become clear later, but Israel now has greater operational freedom," sources noted, adding that additional targets remain for potential future strikes.
"We remain fully prepared for defense and offense, with no changes to public safety guidelines on the home front," the sources said, highlighting Israel’s focus on fighting in Gaza and Lebanon amid Iran’s push for regional escalation. "Our reach across the Middle East has been demonstrated," they added.
Iran acknowledged the strikes caused damage but claimed it was minimal. Iranian media reported that Israeli planes targeted sites in Tehran Province and the western provinces of Khuzestan and Ilam.
A White House official expressed hope that Iran would refrain from retaliation, warning of "consequences" if it did. This official said that Washington expects the exchange of fire between Israel and Iran to conclude here, adding that the U.S. has communicated its position to Iran through multiple direct and indirect channels.
Get the Ynetnews app on your smartphone: