The masterful Israeli strike on Iranian military assets was a calculated blow that would have done Dirty Harry proud, setting an inescapable trap for Tehran
Following Israel’s large-scale airstrikes on Iranian military targets, the conflict between the two nations has entered a new and calculated phase. On October 26, 2024, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) launched hours-long precision strikes targeting key Iranian missile facilities and strategic air defense systems. These strikes were a direct response to Iran’s massive missile barrage against Israel earlier this month, on October 1.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi emphasized Israel’s deliberate restraint in its assault. “We drew upon only some of our abilities,” he said during a meeting with senior officials in Tel Aviv. “We have the ability to do much more.” The strikes, which focused on dismantling Iran’s drone and ballistic missile capabilities, aimed to send a clear message to Tehran while addressing the October 1 attack on Israeli civilian and military infrastructure.
Behind this operation lies a strategic calculation by Israel and, we can say, by PM Benjamin Netanyahu himself. According to military analysts, the strikes have not only neutralized immediate threats but have also set a trap for Iran. By hitting critical air defense systems and missile facilities while holding back on attacking sensitive oil and nuclear sites, Israel has left Tehran with few options but to retaliate. Should Iran escalate, Israel has prepared an overwhelming response targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities and key oil industry infrastructure—assets vital to the regime’s economy and regional ambitions.
“We hit strategic systems in Iran… and we will see how things develop now,” Halevi said, indicating that Israel is ready to act decisively if Tehran takes the bait. This move leverages Iran’s humiliation and internal pressure to respond, forcing its hand while giving Israel the justification to launch a more extensive military campaign if needed.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, speaking cautiously, sought to downplay the significance of Israel’s actions. “There’s no need to exaggerate Israel’s evil and there’s no need to downplay it,” he remarked during a visit to families of soldiers reportedly killed in the Israeli strikes. Yet his warning came laced with ambiguity, hinting that any retaliation would be carefully considered by senior Iranian officials to avoid playing directly into Israel’s trap.
Channel 13 news reported that during Israel’s airstrikes, Iran had missiles prepared for launch against Israel but chose not to deploy them. The Israeli assessment is that Tehran is caught in a bind—either escalate and face devastating retaliatory strikes or appear weak in the eyes of its allies and the Iranian public. The ongoing weakening of Iran’s proxy Hezbollah, which has been battered by Israeli forces over the past month, adds further pressure on Tehran to act directly.
Israeli officials remain confident in their strategy, having left Iran vulnerable to further attacks by disabling its air defenses. “We will hit them hard and early if provoked,” Defense Minister Yoav Gallant reiterated. He confirmed that while Israel does not seek a broader conflict, it is prepared to execute a more aggressive plan should Iran or its proxies launch another attack. The targets of any escalated Israeli response are clear: nuclear sites and oil infrastructure, aimed at crippling the regime’s strategic capabilities and economic lifelines.
Lt. Gen. Halevi’s closing statement conveyed Israel’s readiness: “We know how to reach and hit any threat, in any place, at any time.” With this calculated maneuver, Israel has placed Iran in a position where it must decide whether to risk a humiliating climbdown or face the full brunt of Israel’s military power.
As Israel and Iran brace for the next move, the stakes have been set high. Israel’s trap has created a scenario where any further provocation from Iran could justify an escalated response, pushing the conflict towards a potentially decisive confrontation.
Amid this, Israel’s cabinet is taking no chances. Meetings are being held in secure locations, away from terrorism’s reach. However, this hasn’t stopped Defense Minister Gallant from bitterly expressing frustration that Prime Minister Netanyahu doesn’t know what he’s doing, a pointed critique often dismissed by those who see Netanyahu’s extraordinary war leadership as standing firm against global and internal pressure. Despite Gallant’s criticism, Netanyahu’s strategic decisions have consistently rallied Israel’s military and government under a singular vision of resilience.
Just do not underestimate your enemy’s striking power. The US has done that several times (Battle of the Bulge and Pearl Harbor). …….Attempt to kill leaders with suicide bombing using a commercial flight.