WASHINGTON — A former high-ranking U.S. military intelligence official stated that Israel likely received early warnings about Tuesday’s missile strike due to the monitoring efforts of U.S. and Israeli intelligence regarding Iran’s missile units.

The Israeli and Pentagon responses to the hundreds of missiles targeting cities such as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem will heavily rely on the effectiveness of their air defense systems, according to Mark Quantock, a retired Army major general who previously managed intelligence at U.S. Central Command.

Launching ballistic missiles requires Iran to inform and position its personnel at launch sites, which can be tracked by satellites, Quantock explained. It is also possible that communications with these forces were intercepted.

Such evidence may have prompted the White House to issue an alert about an impending attack on Tuesday.

Once such movements are identified, missile launches can occur rapidly, Quantock noted.

A senior official from the White House promised “serious repercussions” for the attack.

If any missiles breach Israeli air defenses and result in significant casualties or destruction, Quantock warned that the U.S. might find itself embroiled in a conflict with Iran.

“Conversely, if Iran fails to hit its targets as seen previously—where Israeli defenses intercepted most of the incoming missiles—the U.S. might respond in a more cautious manner, possibly avoiding military action,” he explained.

The Pentagon is set to present President Joe Biden with a variety of military options.

“Ultimately, it will be his decision on the next steps,” Quantock mentioned.