The Israeli ambassador to Canada stated that a "strong" response should be expected after Israel faced an unprecedented attack from Iran late Saturday night, with more than 300 drones and missiles launched towards its territory.

During an interview with CTV's question period on Sunday, Israeli ambassador Ido Mod told host Vassy Kapelos that Iran is using a "war machine" against Israel and must act "to ensure that (Iran) does not cause us further harm."

He added, "We are at war now, we are fighting against Hamas in the south, and we have an Iranian proxy in the north where Hezbollah holds hundreds of thousands of missiles aimed at Israeli civilians. The situation is extremely volatile."

Israeli officials stated that Israel and its allies managed to intercept about 99% of the drones and missiles launched by Iran, suffering only minor damage. Iran has since announced the end of the operation.

Iran confirmed that its attack was in response to an air raid that occurred on April 1 on one of its consulate buildings in the Syrian capital. The raid resulted in the deaths of two Iranian generals. Israel has not confirmed its responsibility but has acknowledged carrying out previous strikes inside Syria on targets linked to Iran.

Mod said, "Israel wishes to use diplomacy to avoid any further escalation, but the state wants those who attack to know they will receive a 'strong' response."

He continued, "We have been very clear from the beginning: anyone who attacks us, we will respond, and we will respond to ensure that it does not happen again," adding, "We do not tolerate such attacks, and Israel will not tolerate them. Our national defense is in our hands, and we will decide how to respond."

He added, "Israel must decide for itself how to move forward because Israel was attacked last night within the context of this horrific terrorist attack by a state, and we will need to ensure that it does not happen again."

When Kapelos asked him about the scale and scope of retaliation and what is currently under discussion, Mod said, "Everything."

Mod went on to say that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is closely monitoring the situation and is in contact with other ministers in the Canadian government. He thanked Trudeau, Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly, and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre for their "absolute support and recognition of Israel's right to defend itself."

Mod stated that the main part of Israel's efforts in combating terrorism is to see allies like Canada standing with them in the face of aggression.

Mod added, "It is important for countries like Canada to evaluate what it means to stand by Israel at this time; Iran needs to see a strong global reaction to this aggression."