Attack on Bibi's residence: Israel vows response, Iran denies involvement

A member of Israeli security personnel stands at the entrance to a street, following a drone attack from Lebanon towards Israel amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, in Caesarea, Israel, October 19, 2024.
A member of Israeli security personnel stands at the entrance to a street, following a drone attack from Lebanon towards Israel amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, in Caesarea, Israel, October 19, 2024.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran after a Hezbollah drone strike targeted his Caesarea residence early Saturday. Though no injuries occurred, Netanyahu condemned the attack, linking it to Iran and its regional allies.

The drone, fired from Lebanon by Hezbollah, struck Netanyahu’s seaside residence, though the prime minister and his wife were not present. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that a building was hit in Caesarea, an affluent town known for its luxury villas and ancient Roman ruins. Netanyahu’s office released a brief statement acknowledging the attack, followed by the prime minister’s vow of response.

"The attempt by Iran’s proxy Hezbollah to assassinate me and my wife today was a grave mistake," the Israeli premier wrote on X. "This will not deter me or the State of Israel from continuing our just war against our enemies in order to secure our future."

“Anyone who tries to harm Israel’s citizens will pay a heavy price. We will continue to eliminate the terrorists and those who dispatch them,” added Netanyahu.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz echoed the prime minister's stance, stating that the attack "exposed Iran’s true face and the evil axis it leads." Katz added that Israel’s enemies "will pay a heavy price for any attempt to harm our citizens, soldiers, and leaders."

Houshang Hassan-Yari, a military expert, in an interview with Iran International, emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) has reached a point where it can launch such an attack. "The level of tension is rising," Hassan-Yari said, suggesting that this operation marks a shift in the IRGC's willingness to act directly. He indicated that the attack could lead to a broader conflict in the region.

It is not clear why Israel's sophisticated air defense system was not able to identify and shoot down a drone that flies relatively slowly.

“While this attack opens the path for a strike against Khamenei, the US can no longer prevent such actions to avoid escalation. Furthermore, no regional country would criticize such a strike. The involvement of the IRGC in Hezbollah’s activities has drawn attention to the possibility of a direct strike on Iranian officials,” added Hassan-Yari.

Israeli police set a roadblock on a street in Caesarea, following a drone attack from Lebanon towards Israel amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel October 19, 2024.
Israeli police set a roadblock on a street in Caesarea, following a drone attack from Lebanon towards Israel amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel October 19, 2024.

Mohsen Sazegara, a journalist and political analyst, also told Iran International that Saturday’s attack was carried out by the IRGC, which has assumed control of Hezbollah's operations following the assassination of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah. Sazegara suggested that the IRGC now has a direct intent to assassinate Netanyahu.

'Red lines crossed, Iran's regime closer to end'

Miki Zohar, Israeli Culture Minister, also said in a tweet in Farsi: "The Iranian attempt to assassinate the Israeli Prime Minister, even for a terrorist monster like Iran, whose hands are stained with the blood of thousands, is considered crossing a red line. The price Iran will pay will be deeply engraved in the history books. The end of Iran’s oppressive regime is closer than ever."

A spokesman for Iran’s mission at the United Nations in New York told the Wall Street Journal that the “action in question has been carried out by Hezbollah in Lebanon."

However, Middle East expert Menashe Amir believes that Iran may be trying to avoid further escalation. "Netanyahu’s remarks legitimize the targeting of Iranian officials," Amir told Iran International, adding that it remains unclear whether the focus would be on Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, his son Mojtaba, or other key figures. Amir also noted that the attack on Netanyahu's villa could accelerate Israel's retaliatory plans, potentially leading to action before the upcoming US elections.

Amichai Stein, a correspondent for Israel’s public broadcasting corporation, reported that Israeli sources close to the prime minister have indicated a response is forthcoming, holding Iran responsible for orchestrating the attack through Hezbollah. Stein tweeted, "There will be a response to the drone attack against the Prime Minister's residence, and Iran, as the one behind Hezbollah, is also responsible."

This incident adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile regional situation, with Iran’s backing of Hezbollah now more clearly in the spotlight. As Israel prepares its response to Iran's October 1 missile barrage, the potential for further escalation remains high.