Israel's defense chief hints at actions in Iraq, Yemen and Iran

2023-12-26 17:23:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Israel's defense chief hints at actions in Iraq, Yemen and Iran

Yoav Gallant

As Israeli troops intensify the war in Gaza to eliminate Hamas, Israel continues to be the target of constant attacks from various directions. In a warning on Tuesday, Israel's defense chief said his country would act immediately against those who dare to attack it, while hinting that Israel had taken action against actors in several states.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant hinted on Tuesday that Israel had taken action in Iraq, Yemen and Iran in response to attacks on Israel, as the war with Palestinian militants led by Hamas widens into the Gaza Strip and beyond.

"We are in a multi-front war and are being attacked from seven different directions: Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank Judea and Samaria, Iraq, Yemen and Iran. We have already reacted and acted in six of these countries. I want to make it clear that anyone who acts against us is a potential target, there is no immunity for anyone".

Since the outbreak of war in Gaza following Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, the Israeli military has said it has responded to attacks from Lebanon and Syria and has raided militants in the West Bank.

Israel has not spoken publicly about such actions in Yemen, from where the Iran-aligned Houthi organization has hit Israel with long-range missiles and drones and attacked ships in the Red Sea.

Israel has also not publicly said it acted in Iraq, where a pro-Iranian armed group said last week it had struck the Israeli port city of Eliat with a drone.

There is not even talk of operations inside Iran, Israel's main enemy and the main supporter of Hamas and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that Israel is not stopping and will not stop until victory. He made the pledge during a speech in the country's parliament as the families of more than 100 Israeli hostages held in Gaza held signs demanding that Israel reach an agreement for their release as soon as possible.

"I am addressing from this pulpit the military troops as well as the families and relatives of the kidnapped, we will not stop until victory. Because this is our country and we have no other way".

The prime minister went to the northern Gaza Strip on Monday to meet with Israeli soldiers, where he assured them that the fight will continue until Hamas is defeated.

"We must make sure that Hamas never returns. This requires what each of you requires, to fight to the end. I am proud of your determination to see this through," Mr. Netanyahu said.

Israeli strikes hit central Gaza late Sunday and into Monday. Health authorities in the Hamas-run territory said at least 70 people were killed in an Israeli airstrike that hit the Maghazi refugee camp./ VOA