Israel Identifies Tehran, Hezbollah Members Killed in Damascus Strike as ‘Terrorists’

On Monday, the Israeli army announced that the individuals killed in the strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus were identified as “terrorists” working against Israel. This was the first official acknowledgment from the army regarding the incident.

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari explained during a press conference that those killed in the attack were members of the Quds Force, Hezbollah, and Iranian aides – all of whom he described as terrorists engaged in activities against Israel. He emphasized that there were no diplomats or civilians among the victims, with the casualties mostly consisting of members of the Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The attack intensified tensions in the region, especially amidst ongoing conflicts in the Gaza Strip between Israel and Hamas. Both Tehran and Damascus accused Israel of carrying out the strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, although Israel has not confirmed its involvement.

In response to the attack, Iran launched a significant assault using drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles on Israel from its territory. An air defense system was deployed by Israel with support from several countries including United States, France, United Kingdom and Jordan resulting in interception of majority of projectiles.

During a visit to Nevatim military base in southern Israel, Israeli army’s chief of staff Herzi Halevi vowed to deliver a retaliatory response to Iranian attack. The incident further escalated already heightened tensions between two countries.