### Israel Prepares Response to Iranian Attack Amid Rising Tensions

Israel has declared that it is in the process of crafting a response to what it describes as Iran's "unprecedented and unlawful attack" on its civilians. This comes in the wake of a week-long offensive in Lebanon where the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the elimination of hundreds of Hezbollah terrorists and the targeting of over 2,000 Hezbollah-related sites. These activities included the targeting of a key Hezbollah leader.

The IDF has vowed a "serious and significant" reaction to the Iranian offensive. Military planners are diligently formulating a plan that will require the approval of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as reported by the Times of Israel. An IDF official, speaking anonymously to The Guardian, confirmed that preparations are underway to address the missile strikes.

The situation escalated on Tuesday when Iran launched 200 ballistic missiles targeting Israeli civilian areas. The attack resulted in the death of one individual and injuries to two others. This marks the first assault in northern Lebanon since Israel's ongoing conflict with Hamas began. Additionally, four people were killed in a nearby apartment building due to the airstrike, according to the Lebanese Civil Defense.

The IDF identified Hussein al-Lawis as a key figure behind Hamas's operations in Lebanon, stating he was instrumental in supplying weapons for rocket attacks against Israel and in efforts to develop advanced weaponry. Hamas confirmed al-Lawis's death in a subsequent statement.

Reflecting on the broader conflict, Israeli President Isaac Herzog issued a statement acknowledging the lasting impact of Hamas's attack nearly a year ago on October 7. Herzog highlighted the persistent rise in antisemitism since the onset of the war with Hamas. He stressed that despite the aggression from Iran and its allies, Israel maintains its hope for peace with its neighbors.