Israeli army vows response to Iran strikes as world urges caution

Israel's army chief on Monday vowed a response to Iran's unprecedented attack against the country which has prompted appeals for de-escalation by world leaders fearing wider conflict.

Six months of war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza have triggered violence across the region involving Iranian proxies and allies who say they act in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

But tensions have surged even higher with Tehran's first direct assault on Israel, in retaliation for a deadly April 1 strike on Iran's consulate in Damascus.

"This launch of so many (Iranian) missiles, cruise missiles, and UAVs into the territory of the State of Israel will be met with a response," Israeli army chief General Herzi Halevi said, addressing troops at the Nevatim military base hit in Iran's Saturday barrage.

But the military also said it would not be distracted from its war against Hamas in Gaza.

The United Nations on Monday cited reports of "air strikes, shelling and heavy fighting" for the past five days around Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza city of Deir al-Balah.

Iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles at Israel late Saturday, according to Israel's military which said nearly all were intercepted.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with his war cabinet late Monday to discuss possible reactions, local media said, as Israel issued its first official comment on the deadly Syria strike.

"These were people who engaged in terrorism against the State of Israel," military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said. "There was not a single diplomat there as far as I know."

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps named two generals as among seven of its members killed in the consular attack.

Tehran says its missile and drone barrage against Israel was the first act of a tough new strategy.

The Iranian president's political deputy, Mohammad Jamshidi, wrote on X that the "era of strategic patience is over" and further targeting Iranian personnel and assets "will be met with a direct and punishing response."

Tehran said it considered the matter "concluded" unless Israel chose to commit "another mistake".

Israel's top military