Israel is gearing up for a “serious and significant” response to Iran's missile strikes, which coincided with the anniversary of the October 7 attacks. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that Iran launched a barrage of 200 ballistic missiles last week, some striking air bases, and warned that these actions would “have consequences.”
This Monday marks the first anniversary of the devastating October 7 Hamas attack, which sparked the ongoing Gaza war and has now spread to neighboring Lebanon, creating a perilous regional crisis.
President Isaac Herzog is set to lead a memorial service in Sderot, one of the cities hardest hit during the assault by Palestinian militants. A rally advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza will take place at Beeri, a kibbutz community where over 100 people lost their lives on October 7. Additionally, a memorial is planned at Kibbutz Reim, the site of the Nova music festival where hundreds were killed.
In Israel's commercial hub of Tel Aviv, events are organized starting Sunday, including a demonstration by families of hostages still held in Gaza, who are demanding their release.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to address the nation in a televised broadcast on Monday, although details regarding official commemorative events remain unclear.
“Our wounds still cannot fully heal because they are ongoing. Hostages are still being tortured, executed, and dying in captivity,” Herzog stated in a message on Saturday to mark the anniversary. “We are all still living the aftermath of October 7.”
On that fateful day, Hamas militants infiltrated Israel from Gaza in the deadliest attack in the nation’s history, launching an assault by land, air, and sea following the end of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. A year later, the confirmed death toll from the attack has reached 1,205, including hostages killed in captivity, with most victims being civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. Militants abducted 251 hostages on October 7, 97 of whom are still believed to be in Gaza, including 33 that the Israeli military has reported as deceased.
As military officials contemplate retaliation, global attention remains on the potential for escalating conflict in the region. U.S. President Joe Biden has indicated opposition to any Israeli strikes on Iran’s oil production or nuclear facilities. Conversely, former President Donald Trump, who is campaigning to return to the White House, criticized Biden’s stance, asserting that Israel should prioritize attacks on Iran’s nuclear program.
Trump remarked, “Isn’t that what you’re supposed to hit? I mean, it’s the biggest risk we have, nuclear weapons.” He urged Israel to focus on Iran’s nuclear capabilities first.
French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a halt to arms deliveries to Israel, advocating for a political solution and stressing that France is not supplying arms to Israel amid growing international criticism of its military operations in Gaza.
Reports indicate that at least two dozen Iranian missiles successfully penetrated Israel's air defenses, striking or landing near military and intelligence sites, including the Nevatim and Tel Hof air bases, as well as approaching the Mossad headquarters in Glilot.
As tensions rise, Israel has intensified its bombardment of Lebanon, launching airstrikes in Beirut’s southern suburbs and targeting a Palestinian refugee camp in the north. These attacks have resulted in the deaths of a Hamas military official and his family, among others.
