Israel May Have Used Attacks on Gaza to Prep for Conflict With Iran

Top diplomats say Israel is preparing to confront Iran

After the first day of peace between Israel and Hamas (that included the shooting death of a Palestinian) came to a close, authorities say the week-long conflict may just have been a dry run. Israel was actually preparing for a future confrontation with Iran, U.S. and Israeli officials told The New York Times.

[ALSO READ: Israeli Gunfire Kills 1 Palestinian, Injures 9 Near Border Fence]

“In Operation Pillar of Defense, Israel was not confronting Gaza, but Iran,” Michael B. Oren, Israeli ambassador to the U.S., told the Times.

The back-and-forth attacks between Israel and Gaza left five Israelis and at least 140 Palestinians dead.

Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system intercepted 84 percent of the 1,506 rockets fired from Gaza that were targeted, but would likely be less effective against strikes from Iran or Hezbollah.

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