Senior Iranian military officials continue to warn of direct retaliation against Israel following the killing of several top “Axis of Resistance” figures, including Hamas Political Bureau Chairman Ismail Haniyeh, in recent weeks.
According to the Institue On War (ISW), on September 4, Brigadier General Ali Abdollahi Ali Abadi, Deputy Chief of Coordination for the Iranian Armed Forces General Staff, declared that Israel “must bury [its] dream” that Iran will not respond to Haniyeh’s death.
Brigadier General Mohsen Chizari, Deputy of Operations for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force, echoed these sentiments, promising a “crushing response” to Israel.
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Chizari emphasized that Iran aims to “surprise” Israel with its retaliation, aligning with assessments that Iran is likely focusing on creating operational surprise rather than strategic surprise ahead of the expected strike.
Chizari also referenced Hezbollah’s recent drone and rocket attack against Israel, suggesting that Iran’s response will differ in nature, although it remains unclear whether this difference pertains to Hezbollah’s attack or Iran’s own April 2024 drone and missile assault on Israel.
Chizari is a senior Quds Force figure who played a role in supporting the Assad regime during the Syrian civil war and was sanctioned by the United States in 2012 for human rights abuses. Some Quds Force commanders may seek direct strikes against Israel, especially considering that Haniyeh was killed at an IRGC Quds Force facility in Tehran.
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This could mean that Iran will employ more than just drones and missiles in its anticipated attack, potentially involving a broader range of military capabilities.
Iran may also escalate its response by incorporating attacks on U.S. positions in Syria, alongside strikes on Israel, to increase the impact of its retaliation.
Meanwhile, Chizari praised Palestinian militias’ recent efforts in the West Bank, asserting that Israel will not be able to prevent the growth of resistance there. Israeli forces have been conducting a large-scale counterterrorism operation in the West Bank since late August to disrupt Palestinian militia activities and prevent potential suicide bombing attacks in Israel.
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