ISRAEL is set to launch a devastating “Rocks and Rampage” blitz of Iran with space-age missiles specially honed to decimate deep defences.
Israeli Defence Forces purpose-built Rocks cruise missile dodges radar and has a huge half-tonne warhead capable of burrowing through thick concrete before exploding.
And experts believe a barrage of the bunker busters will zero in after air-launched Rampage missiles wipe out Iran’s defensive missile batteries.
Israeli scientists have been fine-tuning plans for a long awaited showdown strike on Iran for 20 years – aimed at taking out the rogue Islamist nation’s nuclear threat.
But key military sites are now most likely to be in the cross-hairs as a revenge attack looms after the Iran’s foiled 180 missile blitz of the Jewish state on October 1.
And Israel’s revenge could come within hours after its defences were bolstered by the arrival of ally America’s latest THAAD missile defences manned by US military crew.
Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant warned his embattled nation “will soon respond” to its arch enemy’s missile attack warning strikes will be “precise and deadly.”
But Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned on Wednesday that Tehran would counter attack with a “decisive and regretful” response amid fears of massive escalation.
The Rocks missile – unveiled by Israeli weapons firm Rafael in 2019 – combines supersonic cruise capabilities with satellite navigation and optical targeting.
It can be launched from F-16 and F-35 war jets from 190 miles from targets including fortified or underground structures.
But Rocks weapons – similar to Britain’s deadly Storm Shadow system – are likely to be deployed after a wave of Rampage missiles smash ground defences and command posts.
The Rampage – developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Elbit Systems – is based on ground-launched rocket adapted to be fired from fighter jets.
Air launch allows the Rampage – equipped with multiple navigation systems – to fly faster and increases its range.
UK defence analyst Paul Beaver told The Sun: “Expect an extremely well focused attack soon using some of the most sophisticated bunker busters in the world.
“Israeli cruise missile operators have the ability to preset – or dial in – the number of floors or feet of concrete needed to penetrate before a large warhead explodes.
“These weapons would be deployed after Iran’s ground radar and other sensors are taken out.
“I am sure Israel has the capability to do this and achieve air superiority very quickly – but Iran has a very large missile arsenal and may still be able to retaliate.
“We are entering every dangerous phase of this conflict.”
Israel launched air attacks hunting down Hezbollah terror chiefs in Lebanese capital Beirut after a six day lull as ground battles continued in the south of the country.
Fighting continued as the US warned Israel it must get at least 350 aid-lorries-a-day into Gaza to ward off a humanitarian catastrophe sparked by its blood ground offensive.
The year-long war has cost at least 42,000 lives in the Gaza coastal strip, according to Hamas, which sparked the bloodbath by massacring 1,200 and kidnapping 251 on October 7 last year.
A source familiar with the matter told CNN that Israel’s plan to respond to Iran’s October 1 attack is ready, but did not provide any further information.
An insider also said US officials have been promised by Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, that any counterattack on Iran would target military targets only, not nuclear or oil installations.
Netanyahu had previously vowed that Iran would “pay” for the attack and now has “an opportunity to cut off the snake’s head by striking Iran,” said Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Ben-Gvir also praised the Israeli PM, adding that he “is making brave decisions”.
According to a report by public broadcaster Kan, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and Netanyahu had settled on the targets without specifying which officials or decision-making forum.
“The targets are clear. Now it’s a matter of time,” an Israeli source told the broadcaster.
Gallant also vowed that Israel “will soon respond” to Iran.
“It will be a precise and deadly response,” he told the right-wing Gvura Forum (Heroism Forum) of hostages’ families.
