Israel will not hesitate to retaliate if Iran launches an attack in response to the killing of the leader of "Hamas" Ismail Hania in Tehran this week, a high-ranking Israeli security official, quoted by DPA, warned today in an interview, BTA writes.
Tzahi Hanegbi, the chairman of Israel's National Security Council, compared the current tension to that in April, when Iran fired 330 drones, low-flying cruise missiles and ballistic missiles at Israel. Then Israel, at the request of the US and other allies, did not retaliate, Hanegbi said in the interview with various media, including the German newspaper "Bild".
"This is now a new situation. "One time we may refrain from answering, but the second time - no," he said. "The attack on Israel is something for which they will have to pay a very painful price. I hope they don't. It will be a mistake, Israel is very strong," he added.
However, Hanegbi does not think Iran wants to start a war.
Iran and its allies, including the Hezbollah group, said there would be a "severe punishment" for Israel after Haniya's assassination on Wednesday.
According to Iran and "Hamas" Israel is responsible for it, but Israel has neither confirmed nor denied having anything to do with it. Hanegbi also did not comment on the matter.