As Israel braces for a vengeful response from Iran for the killing of its senior IRGC commander in Damascus on Monday, in a strike attributed to Israel, officials are wondering what such revenge would be.
In the past, Iran had not always acted on their threats to attack Israel and Israelis, even when the IDF was reported to strike at their assets around the Middle East and even on Iranian soil. But this time, a senior official said, it would be wrong not to take their threats seriously.
On Wednesday, the IDF said it was calling up reserve troops to man air defenses in anticipation of an attack. Israel has the best aerial defenses in the world and has amazed the Iranians with its capabilities. The Iron Dome Missile defense system has been upgraded during the although UAVs have been able to penetrate its defensive shield. Such drones pose a real challenge for the missile defense system a challenge no other know system would be able to meet.
Iran may choose to launch missiles at Israel from within its territory, through proxies in Syria, Yemen or Iraq. It could prompt Hezbollah to use its more advanced weapons to attack, despite having opted not to "waste them" on the Palestinians' conflict. It could also decide to strike against senior Israeli officials, or its emissaries stationed around the world.
The killing of Mohammad Reza Zahedi, who commanded the IRGC Quds forces, his deputy and other members of the force, was a severe blow to Iran. It was also a blow for Hezbollah because he had been of great value to the Lebanon-based group.
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Aftermath of a strike on Damascus, attributed to Israel, killing IRGC commander
(Photo: Omar Sanadiki / AP)
It is surprising that despite repeated Israeli strikes on Iranian and pro-Iranian targets in Syria recently, the senior commander chose to move through Damascus while so many other members of the IRGC have left. Israel must therefore play a strong game of defense and prepare to respond to an attack when it comes.