Israel has vowed to give a befitting reply to Iran’s missile attack. Iran fired more than 180 ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday (October 1), most of which were destroyed in the air by Israel’s defense system. However, many missiles also hit the target. This caused a lot of damage to Israel. Since then, speculations have been made about what steps Israel can take to take revenge. Israel has the option of attacking nuclear and oil plants to cyber attack and attacking military bases.
Attack on Iranian military bases
Some analysts believe Israel could respond by targeting Iranian military facilities, particularly those that produce the ballistic missiles used in Tuesday’s attacks. It could also destroy Iranian air defense systems and missile launch facilities. Washington has accused Tehran of supplying short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for use against Ukraine. Both countries deny this charge. Analysts say this would be considered the harshest response to Iran’s attack.
Attack on Iran’s nuclear sites
An attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities could affect Tehran’s ability to make nuclear weapons. Iran’s nuclear program is spread across many locations, some of which are built underground. However, a major attack on the nuclear infrastructure could have serious consequences. This could also lead Iran to join the race to make nuclear weapons. The US has said that it would not support such action on the part of Israel. Richard Hooker, a retired US Army officer who served on the US National Security Council under Republican and Democratic presidents, said there was a possibility that Israel could attack Iran’s nuclear installations.
Iran has always denied it has ever tried to build a nuclear weapon. However, the UN nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, and US intelligence believe Iran had a coordinated nuclear weapons program by 2003. Experts say Iran could produce enough weapons-grade uranium to build a bomb within a matter of weeks if the 2015 nuclear deal collapses.
Attack on Iran’s petroleum production infrastructure
Israel could also attack Iran’s petroleum industry, hurting its economy. Such an attack could provoke Iran to attack oil production facilities in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Arab countries. That could raise fuel prices, which have always been a major issue in the US campaign. The US is to elect a new president and a new Congress in the elections to be held on November 5. “I’m not sure (rising world oil prices) will deter the Israelis,” said David Des Roches, a former Defense Department official involved in Gulf policy.
Cyber War
Military action or missile strikes are more likely in response to the missile attack, but Israel can also adopt other options. US President Joe Biden has said that he will impose more sanctions on Iran. Washington’s sanctions on Iran have already banned almost all US trade with that country. Blocked its government’s assets in the US and banned US foreign aid and arms sales. Analysts say Israel may also use its cyber warfare capabilities to respond to Iranian attacks. Israel’s mass pager attack against Hezbollah in Lebanon has focused attention on its secret Unit 8200, a specialist cyber warfare and intelligence unit of the Israel Defense Forces. Western security sources said it was involved in planning the operation.