The occupation has not only a right but a "duty" to respond to Operation True Promise 2, and it has the intention to do so, Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday.

Despite Iran's attack being repeatedly downplayed in Israeli and Western media, Netanyahu seemed to admit that Iran's operation was "one of the largest ballistic missile attacks in history," adding that "No country in the world would allow such an attack on its cities and citizens, and this also applies to the State of Israel. Israel has the duty and right to defend itself and respond to these attacks, and we will do so."

Netanyahu and his regime have been conducting a war of extermination for the last year, as well as expanding their aggression against civilians in Lebanon, striking Iran, Iraq, Yemen,  and Iran itself in the process.

The Israeli premier also shamed French President Emmanuel Macron for suggesting that France halt its weapons shipments to the occupation in light of the genocide it is committing and the expanded aggression in Lebanon.

Macron expressed his alarm over the ongoing war in Gaza, despite repeated requests for a ceasefire. 

"I think we are not being heard," he remarked. "I think it is a mistake, including for the security of Israel," he added, adding that the war was causing "hatred."

Macron also stated that preventing an escalation in Lebanon was a "priority," warning that Lebanon could not "become a new Gaza."

Iranian VP: War not our goal, but our response will be crushing

In a recent exclusive interview for Al Mayadeen, Iran's First Vice President, Mohammad Reza Aref, articulated the nation's stance on foreign threats, asserting that while Iran remains patient and does not seek war, it is prepared to react decisively to any acts of aggression.

Aref stressed that the country’s forthcoming responses would be "crushing and devastating," underlining Iran's commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty against even the most minor provocations from its adversaries.

He noted that Iran has "shown patience toward the Zionist entity thus far," referencing the loss of "great fighters like the martyr Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah."

The Iranian Vice President called on those he accused of instigating occupation in the region to think critically and stop their harmful actions that support the occupation.
 
Earlier today, the deputy chief of the Iranian Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), Brigadier General Ali Fadavi, issued a stern warning to "Israel", stating that any misstep by the entity would endanger its very existence.

In an exclusive interview for Al Mayadeen, Fadavi said, “If the occupying entity makes a mistake, we will target all its energy sources, including power stations, refineries, and gas fields.”

He emphasized the contrast between Iran and the Israeli entity, pointing out that while Iran is a large country with many economic centers, "Israel" is limited to just three power stations and a few refineries. 

Fadavi asserted that Iran has the capability to strike all of these targets simultaneously.

In a related context, Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, told Al Mayadeen that "Israel" will face a severe and devastating response for any reckless actions.

"We have exercised restraint and patience in the past, but we are ready to deliver a precise and devastating strike at the appropriate time," he added.