Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that the upcoming response to Iran’s missile attacks will be “independent,” leaving open the possibility of targeting Tehran’s nuclear facilities. Speaking to CNN, Gallant emphasized that while Israel is closely coordinating with the United States in preparing its response to Iran, the country will “make its own independent decisions” on how to act.
The Middle East is closely watching the potential scenarios of Israel’s anticipated strike on Iran in response to the recent missile attack by Tehran on Israel. Although the U.S. has expressed opposition to striking Iran’s nuclear facilities, Gallant asserted that Israel “has not ruled out any options.” Gallant, who is scheduled to meet with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Wednesday to discuss threats from Iran and its proxies, added, “Everything is on the table.”
He further stated that Israel has the capability to hit both nearby and distant targets, saying, “We have proven this. We will respond to the Iranian attack appropriately. We will not stand idly by, and neither should the international community.” Gallant has emerged as one of Israel’s key interlocutors with the U.S., frequently engaging with Austin and top White House officials.
On Sunday, Gallant met with U.S. Central Command Chief Michael Erik Kurilla to discuss Israel’s planned response against Iran. Gallant also discussed what he described as the “success of Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon so far,” noting that Israel has “dismantled a significant portion” of the group’s capabilities. He pointed out that Hezbollah is now “facing a leadership and control vacuum,” especially after the death of its senior leaders, including its chief, Hassan Nasrallah.
Gallant added that Israel’s ground operation in southern Lebanon remains limited to targeting Hezbollah’s positions near the border, even as the attacks have escalated in recent days. He concluded, “The strikes Israel has delivered to Hezbollah have created a rift that opens the door to change not just in Lebanon, but in the entire Middle East.”
