Fears Israel could target Iran’s nuclear facilities in revenge attack

Israeli military chiefs have vowed to respond to Iran.

Apr 16, 2024 - 08:00
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Fears Israel could target Iran’s nuclear facilities in revenge attack
Woman walking in iran
The UN atomic watchdog has called for ‘extreme restraint’ (Picture: AFP)

There are fears Israel is considering target Iran’s nuclear facilities as part of a response to the barrage of drones and missiles sent over the border over the weekend.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened his war cabinet to decide the next steps in his revenge plan – with or without the support of the West.

But the United Nation’s nuclear watchdog urged for ‘extreme restraint’ amid the tensions in the Middle East that could soon reach boiling point.

Director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Grossi said Iran closed its nuclear facilities on Sunday over ‘security considerations’.

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They reopened on Monday but IAEA inspectors were kept away ‘until we see that the situation is completely calm’.

He said: ‘We are going to resume on Tuesday. This has not had an impact on our inspection activity.’

When asked about the possibility of an Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, he added: ‘We are always concerned about this possibility.’

Grossi’s comments came after Israel’s military chief said the Iranian strike will not go unanswered – even if Iran signalled it considers the matter closed.

SOUTHERN ISRAEL, ISRAEL - APRIL 15: Israeli soldiers prepare before entering into the Gaza Strip on April 15, 2024 in Southern Israel, Israel. Israel's allies, including the UK and US, have urged the country to avoid escalation of conflict with Iran after it launched hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel over the weekend. Meanwhile, foreign mediators in the conflict continue to push for a ceasefire in the war in Gaza and an increase in distribution of humanitarian aid there.(Photo by Amir Levy/Getty Images)
Israeli soldiers prepare before entering into the Gaza Strip on April 15, 2024 (Picture: Getty)

Herzi Halevi doubled down: ‘This launch of so many missiles, cruise missiles, and drones into Israeli territory will be met with a response.’

While Iran’s attack caused no deaths and limited damage, it has increased fears of open warfare between the two archenemies and fuelled concerns that violence rooted in the Gaza war is spreading.

Lt Gen Herzi Halevi echoed the comments: ‘Look, as we look forward, we weigh our steps, and this launch of so many missiles, cruise missiles, UAVs to the territory of the State of Israel will be met with a response.’

Neither specified a course of action, or give a timescale.

Iran launched its weekend attack as retaliation for Israel’s strike on April 1 on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, in which 12 people were killed.

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