Big Iraqi Attack On Israel; Resistance 'Bombs' Haifa Oil Refinery, Tamar Gas Field
Israel Says It's 'Ready for War' after Oil Refinery, Gas Field Attacked; Blames Iran
Israel accused Iran of being behind a drone and missile attack on an oil refinery in the northern Israeli city of Haifa and an offshore natural gas field in the Mediterranean Sea on Wednesday. The attacks were the first of their kind and sparked fears of a wider regional conflict. There were no immediate reports of casualties from the attacks.
Hezbollah, Hamas Praise Attacks, Vow Support For 'Axis of Resistance'
The Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah praised the attacks, calling them a "natural response to the Zionist enemy's aggression." The Palestinian militant group Hamas also praised the attacks, saying they were a "heroic act" and a "victory for the resistance axis."
Israel Vows to 'Respond Forcefully' to Attacks, Blames Iran
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel was "ready for war" and would "respond forcefully" to the attacks.
He accused Iran of being responsible for the attacks. "Iran is playing with fire," Netanyahu said. "We will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons."
Experts: Attacks Show Iran's Growing Regional Power
Experts say the attacks show that Iran is becoming increasingly assertive in the region. "These attacks are a sign that Iran is no longer willing to tolerate Israel's attacks on its allies," said Ali Vaez, an Iran expert at the International Crisis Group. "Iran is sending a message that it is willing to use force to defend its interests."
