Israel’s top general says Iran faces retaliation despite calls for restraint | BBC News

Israel’s top general has given the clearest indication that the country will retaliate against Iran, following its mass missile and drone attack.

General Herzi Halevi, the IDF chief os staff, said that “the launch of so many missiles, cruise missiles and drones into Israeli territory will be met with a response”. It’s not yet clear what form that response will take.

The United States has described the Iranian attack as “a spectacular failure”. Around 300 missiles and drones were fired at Israel but almost all were shot down or failed to reach their targets. A handful evaded air defences but caused little damage.

President Biden and other national leaders have urged Israel to show restraint and to avoid escalation. They fear the crisis could lead to a wider war in the region. The White House has told Israel that the US will not take part in or assist any counterattack against Iran.

Reeta Chakrabarti presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Lucy Williamson and Jeremy Bowen.