Israel’s Prime Minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, is currently in a political quandary, faced with a mounting tide of international calls for moderation, following the recent retaliatory attack from Iran. This attack symbolises the first direct assault from the Middle Eastern nation, which has sparked apprehension regarding the potential amplification of hostilities in the region.
Meeting with his war cabinet twice in less than a day, Netanyahu is presently contemplating how best to react to Iran’s significant missile and drone attack over the weekend, as per a governmental source’s report. Although the assault led to minimal casualties and damage due to the robust air defences and countermeasures of Israel and its allies, it has intensified fears of the Gaza conflict’s spread.
Herzi Halevi, Israeli military chief of staff, stated on Monday that Iran’s audacious launch of numerous missiles, cruise missiles and drones onto Israeli territory will necessarily yield a reaction,” but did not reveal any specifics.
Seemingly, Israel’s aspiration is to inflict considerable damage on Iran after obtaining Washington’s approval, while avoiding causing substantial casualties. Moreover, Israel seeks to circumvent provoking a military repercussion from Tehran that could potentially thrust the entire region into chaos.
The Israeli armed forces have proposed multiple military strategies to the political leadership. Nonetheless, there are rumours circulating that Israel might resort to a cyberattack. This crippling move would target critical areas of the Islamic Republic’s economy.
Tehran has stated firmly that it is not seeking an escalation but will react quickly and assertively should Israel retaliate. On Monday evening, Ali Bagheri Kani, Iranian deputy foreign minister, told state TV that Iran would react in seconds should Israel retaliate, not waiting another 12 days.
The potential Israeli retribution has frightened many Iranians, who are currently grappling with economic strain and stricter societal and political controls since protests erupted in 2022-23.
The attack was Iran’s response to an airstrike on its embassy compound in Damascus on April 1st, allegedly launched by Israel. Furthermore, it signalled Iran’s aversion to further escalation.
US President Joe Biden informed Netanyahu over the weekend that the United States, although instrumental in helping thwart the Iranian assault, would not partake in Israel’s possible reprisal.
Since October’s inception of the war in Gaza, tensions have surged between Israel and Iran-backed groups nested in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iraq.
The news of four Israeli soldiers sustaining injuries within Lebanese borders has been reported, marking the first confirmed Israeli ground incursion into Lebanon post the commencement of the Gaza war. As the conflict with the Lebanese Hizbullah militia continues, appeals for restraint have echoed around the globe.
Josep Borrell, who heads the European Union’s foreign affairs department, warned of the precarious situation on a Spanish radio show, Onda Cero, urging parties to draw back from a potential precipice. This sentiment was also echoed by notable figures like French leader Emmanuel Macron, Britain’s foreign secretary David Cameron, and Germany’s chancellor Olaf Scholz. The call for moderation also came from UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and Washington.
John Kirby, national security spokesperson for the White House, refrained from specifying whether President Biden had advised Israeli PM Netanyahu to practice restraint in response to Iran during their weekend talks. Kirby at a briefing, clarified that their preference was to avoid any warfare or regional disputes with Iran, leaving any potential decisions to respond to Israel.
Israel Katz, the foreign minister of Israel, revealed plans of a collaborative diplomatic and military response against Iran. This includes urging 32 countries to impose sanctions on Iran’s missile endeavours and categorise its Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist association.
America’s treasury secretary, Janet Yellen, highlighted the destabilising influence of Iran’s activities on Middle Eastern stability and potential for economic repercussions. The US’ response would incorporate sanctions and allied support to counter Iran’s destabilising endeavours.
Nonetheless, analysts predict that the Biden administration might not be keen to intensify sanctions on Iran’s oil exports. This is attributed to concerns over inflating oil prices and antagonising China, the major purchaser of Iran’s oil.
During the dialogue between China and Iran’s foreign ministers, China expressed faith in Iran’s capability to manage this crisis, maintain regional stability, and protect its sovereignty and dignity. This was as covered by the Chinese state media. Russia, though an Iranian ally, did not publicise any criticism of Iran but advised against further escalation.
Iran’s reciprocative attack comprised upwards of 300 devices, including drones and missiles, causing minor damage and wounding a 7-year-old girl in Israel. The bulk of these were intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome defence system, with aid from France, Britain, the US, and Jordan.
As per figures from the Gaza health ministry, over 33,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in the Israeli offensive in Gaza. This has resulted in widespread praise across the region for Iran’s involvement. Israel started this aggressive approach in response to an attack from Hamas, a Palestinian militant organisation supported by Iran that rules Gaza. The attack occurred on October 7th and claimed 1200 lives and saw 253 individuals taken hostage as per statistics from Israel.
The UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, stated that the G7, a group formed of the world’s seven leading democracies, are formulating a set of unified actions against Iran. Simultaneously, Italy, the current president holder of the G7, indicated openness to implementing further sanctions, hinting that these may target individual persons specifically.
The onset of these hostilities has led to numerous airlines either cancelling or redirecting flights. Europe’s aviation regulator continues to advise against usage of both Israeli and Iranian airspace. Amidst this climate of tension, plans for an attack on the southern city of Rafah in Gaza by Israel are being devised following Hamas’ rejection of a ceasefire and hostage release deal. These plans, however, are currently on standby due to the escalating tensions with Iran.
Since the commencement of the war, the Gaza health ministry, which is under Hamas’ control, reports that more than 33,700 Palestinians have lost their lives. Israel reports the seizing of 253 hostages and 1,200 deaths in the sudden attack by Hamas on October 7th. There are rumours in Gaza suggesting that Israel has allowed women and children to return to their homes in the northern part of the area. However, Israeli officials deny any such change of policy.
The US acknowledged an apparent increase in humanitarian support reaching Gaza following the opening of a new crossing to the north of the region by Israel. This area had previously reported significant food supply shortages by relief organisations.
On the other hand, Israel has faced accusations from the United Nations of demolishing nearly all the structures within the buffer zone being established along the Gaza border. The United Nations Satellite Centre found extensive damage, with 90% of the buildings within the 1km buffer zone being affected. This includes complete destruction of 3,033 buildings, serious damage to 327, and moderate damage to 266 of them according to the report.