Israel on War Day 386: Israel strikes Iran | Israeli News

Israel sent a message to Iran warning the Iranians not to respond ahead of its retaliatory strikes on Friday, according to three sources familiar with the matter. The Israeli embassy aimed to contain the ongoing exchange of attacks between Israel and Iran and prevent further escalation, sources said.

US and Israeli officials reported that three waves of airstrikes took place on Saturday morning local time, later dubbed Operation Days of Repentance.

The first wave targeted Iran's air defense system, while the second and third waves focused on missile and drone bases and weapons production facilities. Iran claimed it thwarted the Israeli attack and reported only “limited damage” to military targets. Israeli officials said the strikes were in retaliation for Iran's ballistic missile attack on October 1.

The Israeli message was conveyed to the Iranians through several third parties, sources added. “The Israelis made it clear to the Iranians what they would and would not target,” a source said. Two other sources said Israel had warned Iran not to respond, stressing that further retaliation by Iran would trigger a larger Israeli response, especially if Israeli civilians were injured.

The Prime Minister's Office declined to comment. Iran has said it does not seek all-out war with Israel but would retaliate if attacked.

On Saturday, IDF spokesman Rear Admiral said. Daniel Hagari warned that any escalation by Iran would force Israel to respond. A US official said the US did not take part in the Israeli operation, but stressed that the US was ready to defend Israel if Iran retaliated. “This should be the end of direct military exchanges between Israel and Iran,” the official said. “If Iran attacks Israel again, there will be consequences. We communicated this directly and indirectly to Iran.”

No further escalation?

One channel through which the message was conveyed to Iran was Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldcamp, who wrote on to prevent escalation.”

US officials expect Iran to respond to the Israeli attack in the coming days, but in a controlled manner that could allow Israel to avoid further conflict. “Our goal is to accelerate diplomacy and reduce tensions in the Middle East,” said Sean Savett, spokesman for the National Security Council. “We call on Iran to cease its attacks on Israel to end this cycle of conflict without further escalation.”

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