Israel is preparing to launch a forceful retaliation after Iran fired over 180 ballistic missiles at Israeli targets on Tuesday in a barrage that followed the killing of Hezbollah’s chief, Hassan Nasrallah, who died in an Israeli airstrike last week.

Israel now appears determined to respond to the missile attack despite previous attempts by U.S. President Joe Biden to encourage restraint, efforts that conservative commentator Ben Shapiro believes will be ignored, as the Daily Wire reports.

This is not the first time Israel has been targeted by Iranian forces. A previous round of missile attacks occurred in April after the death of Iranian Brig. Gen. Mohammad Reza Zahedi, with Israel launching a symbolic counterstrike near an Iranian nuclear facility.

However, Tuesday’s missile barrage, motivated by Nasrallah’s death, seems to indicate a major intensification of hostilities.

Israel's Planned Retaliation Could Target Iran’s Economy

While Israel is still weighing its response, potential targets reportedly include Iran’s nuclear facilities and key oil and gas fields. These targets are crucial to Iran’s economy, and any significant damage could lead to both economic and social instability within the country. Iran has been working to develop a nuclear bomb for nearly two decades, a threat that has remained central to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political strategy.

Netanyahu has made it clear that Israel will not allow Iran to obtain nuclear capabilities, a stance widely supported across Israel’s political spectrum. Shapiro noted that there is “great unity” within Israel about the need to inflict “severe damage” on both Iran’s economic and nuclear infrastructure. This sentiment appears to transcend political differences, with leaders from the Labor Party to right-wing figures like Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir in agreement.

U.S. Influence Diminishes Over Israeli Military Strategy

Israel’s current stance marks a departure from the advice offered by President Biden earlier this year. Following the April missile attacks, Biden urged Israel to “take the win” and avoid further military escalation. However, Israel’s leadership has seemingly grown less willing to heed U.S. guidance, particularly as the missile attacks have continued to threaten Israeli security.

Shapiro emphasized this shift in Israeli policy, stating that “the chances that Israel does not respond are effectively zero. Israel is not going to listen to Joe Biden anymore.” This suggests that Israel is prepared to act independently, regardless of diplomatic pressure from the U.S.

Nasrallah’s Death Marks Turning Point in Conflict

The death of Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s leader, appears to have been the primary catalyst for the recent missile barrage from Iran. Hezbollah, a Lebanon-based militant group backed by Iran, has long been a significant player in the region's conflicts, particularly those involving Israel. Nasrallah’s assassination represents a major blow to Hezbollah, and Iran’s response reflects the depth of its commitment to Hezbollah’s cause.

For Israel, this attack underscores the complex network of alliances and hostilities that define the broader Middle East conflict. Israel’s long-standing opposition to Iran’s nuclear ambitions and Hezbollah’s activities in the region has only intensified in recent years, making any hope for a quick resolution seem increasingly unlikely.

Potential Economic Fallout for Iran

If Israel chooses to target Iran’s oil and gas fields, the consequences for Iran could be severe. These fields are critical to Iran’s economic stability, and their destruction would likely lead to widespread economic disruption. Given the country’s ongoing struggles with international sanctions and domestic unrest, further destabilization could create a ripple effect across the region.

Iran has relied heavily on its oil exports to sustain its economy, especially as it has faced increasing isolation on the global stage. Any damage to these fields could not only cripple Iran’s economy but also undermine its ability to fund military and paramilitary operations across the region.

Netanyahu Faces Domestic and International Pressure

While there is considerable political unity within Israel over the need for a strong response, Netanyahu is still balancing the demands of his domestic audience with the realities of international diplomacy. Israel’s previous symbolic strikes were likely aimed at sending a message without fully committing to broader conflict escalation. However, given the scale of the missile barrage this week, Israel may feel compelled to launch a more extensive military operation.

At the same time, Israel must consider the potential ramifications of striking key Iranian assets. A military escalation risks drawing in other regional actors and could lead to broader instability in the already volatile Middle East.

Conclusion: Israel Set for a Strong Response

Israel is preparing to respond forcefully to Tuesday’s Iranian missile attack, marking a potential turning point in the ongoing conflict between the two nations.

The attack, in retaliation for the killing of Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, has heightened tensions in the region. Israel’s likely targets include Iran’s nuclear facilities and oil and gas fields, critical components of Iran’s economy.

Despite previous U.S. advice for restraint, Israel is expected to move forward with its plans, underscoring the diminishing influence of international diplomacy in shaping Israeli defense policy.

With regional stability at stake, the next steps taken by Israel and Iran could have far-reaching consequences for the Middle East.