IDF, U.S. Rehearse for Missile Attack against Israel

Similar Exercise in Jordan

The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) and the U.S. military conducted a large drill on Sunday, simulating a multi-front missile and rocket attack on Israel from Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Iran. About 1,000 American troops stationed in Israel and more than 4,000 Israeli soldiers took part in the exercise. (Channel 2/Arutz Sheva, 18 May)

The exercise reportedly tested various scenarios, including one involving U.S. Patriot missiles and Aegis-class ships defending against any incoming ballistic missiles. Also tested, were scenarios in which missiles and rockets are fired in large quantities from many different arenas.

Israel also rehearsed the use of its Arrow missiles, as well as Patriots, the Iron Dome and Magic Wand systems. The Magic Wand is at development stage.

At the same time, hundreds of American troops are practicing a similar exercise in Jordan.

Photo credit: Iron Dome in action. (Arutz Sheva)

IRGC Warns Israel

Commander of IRGC Aerospace Force Brig. Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh said in Mashhad today that the warnings issued by the Iranian supreme leader about Iran’s crushing response to any possible Israeli attack on nuclear facilities would mean that the Iranian armed forces will reciprocated with a “destructive response,” Fars News Agency reported.

“The remarks of our master (Supreme Leader Khamenei) about Iran's response to the Zionist regime is the yardstick for our action and if the Zionists make a mistake, this (warning) will certainly take place, and the reason why they haven’t yet embarked on such a move lies in their fear of Iran’s capability and power,” Gen. Hajizadeh said.

File photo: Commander of IRGC Aerospace Force Brig. Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh (Fars News Agency)

‘Will Raze Tel Aviv, Haifa’ if Attacked – Iran Defense Minister

Reaction to IDF Chief Saying Israel Will Act As and When Necessary

Iran’s Defense Minister Brig. Gen. Ahmad Vahidi said today during the National Artesh (Army) Day that Israeli threats against Iran are worthless and Iran is capable to “raze Tel Aviv and Haifa to the ground” if attacked. Vahidi was echoing the threat against the Israeli cities that was originally made by Ayatollah Khamenei in March.

“The constant threats by the Zionist regime against Iran are worthless, and they cannot do anything against our nation because they know that any measure will lead them to full annihilation,” Gen. Vahidi said. “They know that if they do a damn thing, the Islamic Republic will raze Tel Aviv and Haifa to the ground.” (IRNA/Press TV, 18 April)

Iranian Army Commander Major General Ataollah Salehi also said during the Artesh Day that if the Israelis try “to commit a folly and implement their threat against Iran, we will not hesitate” to respond.

During Israel’s Independence Day celebrations on Tuesday, Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon and IDF Chief of General Staff Benny Gantz said Israel could defend itself against any threat, and — if it needed to — would also act against Tehran’s nuclear program. (The Times of Israel)

“The Iranian challenge is very significant and we must approach it with a responsible long-term strategy. We will do what is necessary when it is necessary,” Gen. Gantz had said. (Army Radio/The Times of Israel)

File photo: Iran’s Defense Minister Brig. Gen. Ahmad Vahidi (AP)

Iran Military Prepared to Deliver ‘Swift Response’ if Israel Attacks - Hejazi

Brig. Gen. Mohammad Hejazi, deputy chief of staff of Iran's Armed Forces, said today the Iranian military is prepared to deliver a swift response to any attempted attack by Israel.

 
“The Armed Forces are completely ready to act according to what the (Supreme) Leader said in his remarks in the shortest possible time,” Gen. Hejazi sais. (Fars News Agency/Press TV, 15 April)

In its report of Hejazi’s remarks on its Website, Press TV reminded the readers that in his new year message on 21 March, Ayatollah Khamenei had said “Iran would raze Tel Aviv and Haifa to the ground if Israel attempts a military strike against the Islamic Republic.”

File photo: Iranian Navy patrol force vessel Gorz (P228) fires a Mehrab (Altar) missile during the Velayat-90 naval drills in the Strait of Hormuz on January 1, 2012. (IRNA/Press TV)

Iran Will Destroy Israeli Cities if Attacked – Khamenei

‘We Will Raze Tel Aviv and Haifa to the Ground’ (VIDEO)

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said today that Iran would destroy the Israeli cities of Tel Aviv and Haifa if it came under attack from Israel. Khamenei made the comments during a televised address marking the Iranian New Year.


“At times the officials of the Zionist regime (Israel) threaten to launch a military invasion but they themselves know that if they make the slightest mistake the Islamic Republic will raze Tel Aviv and Haifa to the ground,” Ayatollah Khamenei said.


Referring to direct talks the U.S. to resolve the nuclear dispute, Khamenei said he was not optimistic about such talks, but is not opposed to it either.


“I am not optimistic about these talks. Why? Because our past experiences show that talks for the American officials do not mean for us to sit down and reach a logical solution ... What they mean by talks is that we sit down and talk until Iran accepts their viewpoint.” Khamenei said. “Iran only wants its enrichment right, which is its natural right, to be recognized by the world.” (IRNA, 21 March)

Video: LenzIran/YouTube