Qasem Soleimani was commander of Iran’s Quds Force, a wing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Soleimani played an important role in spreading Iran’s influence, including weapons sales, training and financing armed groups in other Middle East nations. He reported directly to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Experts in Israel assume that Iran will take time to prepare their response to the killing of Soleimani, and that his successor will plan attacks not only on American targets, but also on the Jewish state.

The Israeli army was put on high alert in preparation for an Iranian response, given that when and where the Iranians will strike is not yet clear. The presence of Iranian proxies in Gaza, Syria and Lebanon means they are considered the key staging grounds for any attack on Israel. Though it appears that Iran was shocked by the surprising US strike on their chief military commander, once they lick their wounds, they are sure to plan a violent reaction.

Defense Minister Naftali Bennet met with IDF Chief of Staff Gen. Aviv Kochavi and the...