Politics Iranian commander threatens Israel with broad retaliation

The commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) is threatening Israel with a broad counter-attack by allied militias in the region. "The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime (Israel) and its supporters must expect the holy wrath of the resistance groups," said General Hussein Salami, according to the Revolutionary Guards' web portal.

Iran's non-state allies include the Houthi in Yemen and the Hezbollah militia in Lebanon; there are also militias loyal to Iran in Iraq and Syria.

In a letter to Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, the commander spoke of a harsh and bloody revenge. Israel will have to pay a high price for the killing of Hamas foreign chief Ismail Haniya and Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr, Salami wrote. Israel has not yet commented on the death of Hanija. However, the Islamist Hamas and Iran hold Israel responsible.

Since the unprecedented massacre in Israel by Hamas and other terrorist groups, the Israeli military has been waging war against the Palestinian organization in the Gaza Strip and has eliminated several leading figures.

Iran's army chief Mohammed Bagheri also swore "blood vengeance" against Israel for Haniya's death. The armed forces are now only examining the timing and execution of a retaliatory strike. "The only certainty is that the Zionists (Israel) will bitterly regret this act," said the general.