(NewsNation) — Israel has a “multitude of various, different targets” they will strike in retaliation to Iran’s missile attacks, retired Israel Defense Forces Lt. Col. Jonathon Conricus told “NewsNation Now” Tuesday.
Iran launched at least 180 missiles into Israel on Tuesday, less than a day after Israel began ground attacks on the militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon.
“Iran has opened the door for Israel to explore all kinds of opportunities, and what I’m hoping is that Israel will seize this opportunity in order to strategically and fundamentally change the balance of power in the Middle East,” Conricus said.
In Haifa, NewsNation’s Robert Sherman reported hearing explosions as Israel intercepted missiles. Residents in several areas of the country were urged to take cover for a period of time before being told they could leave protected areas.
Israeli Defense Force spokesperson Rear Admr. David Hagari warned the attack would have consequences and Israel would retaliate at “a time and place” of its choosing.
Iran fired ballistic missiles rather than drones, which were used in previous attacks. Missiles are faster and more difficult for Israel to intercept and shoot down than slow-moving drones, giving the country’s air defense systems less time to respond.
Israel telegraphed that an attack of this sort could result in retaliation against significant Iranian targets.
Conricus echoed that statement, outlining three possible retaliatory targets.
“Israel can go for the crown jewels, the Iranian nuclear military program … Israel can go for regime targets and seats of government and symbols, and Israel can go for infrastructure and economic,” he said. “So, targets that would be very important and painful for the regime.”
The Iran Mission to the UN said on X any retaliation from Israel would be met with more attacks and advised Israel’s allies to distance themselves.
“Iran’s legal, rational, and legitimate response to the terrorist acts of the Zionist regime — which involved targeting Iranian nationals and interests and infringing upon the national sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran — has been duly carried out,” the statement said.
NewsNation’s Tanya Noury, Steph Whiteside, Robert Sherman and Joe Khalil and The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.