Israel Warns Iran of ‘Lethal’ Retaliation

Israel’s defense minister has warned that his country’s response to a recent Iranian missile attack would be “lethal” and “surprising.”

Israeli forces continued a large-scale operation in northern Gaza and launched a ground offensive in Lebanon against Hezbollah militants.

“Our strike will be lethal, precise and above all, surprising. They won’t understand what happened and how. They will see the results,” Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said to troops. “Whoever strikes us will be harmed and pay a price.”

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Joe Biden spoke for the first time in seven weeks. A White House press secretary said the discussion covered Israel’s plans in response to Iran’s Oct. 1 missile strike.

Iran’s missile attack was mitigated with U.S. help. Biden has opposed a retaliatory strike on Iranian nuclear sites, though Israel appears ready to act.

Hezbollah rockets strike northern Israel

Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a rocket attack on Wednesday that killed two people in Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel. The town’s acting mayor, Ofir Yehezkeli, said the victims were a couple walking their dogs.

Israeli forces also fought in Gaza’s northern Jabaliya refugee camp, which has seen multiple operations. Thousands of residents remain trapped as Israeli drones and jets hover. “It’s like hell. We can’t get out,” said Mohamed Awda, who lives with his family. Three bodies lay in the street outside his home, but fighting prevented their retrieval.

“The quadcopters are everywhere, and they fire at anyone. You can’t even open the window,” Awda told The Associated Press.

The Gaza Health Ministry said 40 bodies were recovered from Jabaliya between Sunday and Tuesday, with 14 more recovered from other northern areas.

Fear of forced displacement grows in Gaza

Northern Gaza residents fear Israel aims to depopulate the area and turn it into a military zone. Israel has blocked most roads except one leading south from Jabaliya. “People here say clearly that they will die here in northern Gaza and won’t go to southern Gaza,” said Ahmed Qamar.

Gaza’s health care system is collapsing. Fadel Naeem, director of Al-Ahly Hospital, said his facility is overwhelmed. “We declared a state of emergency, suspended scheduled surgeries, and discharged patients whose conditions are stable,” he said.

The U.N. reports no humanitarian aid has reached northern Gaza since October 1.

Netanyahu warns Lebanon

Netanyahu warned that Lebanon could meet the same fate as Gaza if its people do not rise up against Hezbollah. Recent Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have targeted Hezbollah positions, killing top leaders. Israel’s offensive follows the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, which killed 1,200 people and led to the capture of 250 hostages.

Since then, Israel’s military response has killed over 42,000 Palestinians and displaced nearly 90% of Gaza’s population, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press