by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – Israeli officials aim to retaliate against Tehran for its unprecedented drone and missile attack while carefully avoiding further escalation, maintaining alliances crucial in repelling the attack, and staying focused on their military objectives in Gaza, according to The Wall Street Journal. US and Western officials expect Israel’s response could come swiftly, potentially as early as today.
Israel’s Channel 12 reports that the war cabinet discussed several “painful” but measured retaliatory options against Iran that won’t ignite a regional conflict. Additionally, they are seeking a response to Iran’s recent missile and drone attack that will not be obstructed by the US, according to the network.
Two days after an Iranian missile and drone attack hit the Nevatim Airbase, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi visited the base. He met with members of the 140th (“Golden Eagle”) Squadron, praising their role in countering the attack. “Iran wanted to damage the strategic capabilities of the State of Israel – this is something that did not happen in the past. We were prepared in the ‘Iron Shield’ operation. This preparation also saw Iran meet our air superiority, which you expressed very well,” he stated.
“We are looking ahead and considering our steps. The launching of so many missiles, cruise missiles, and drones into Israeli territory will be met with a response,” Halevi stated.
Israeli security analysts outline a variety of non-escalatory retaliatory measures against Iran that won’t overly burden Israel’s forces, already deployed across Gaza, the northern border, and in Judea and Samaria. Among the options are cyberattacks and targeted strikes on crucial Iranian infrastructure, such as oil facilities. Israel, known for its covert operations against Iranian nuclear interests, might consider more overt actions or targeting Iranian proxies, according to analysts.
However, significant attacks on Iran’s well-protected nuclear sites are seen as unlikely without U.S. support. Former Israeli ambassador and historian Michael Oren noted, “It’s when we move from defense to counter-offense, we hemorrhage American support.” Sima Shine, from the Institute for National Security Studies, told the Wall Street Journal that while precise strikes on military targets are more feasible, they are unlikely in the near term without backing from Washington.
Maj. Gen. Hossein Salami, head of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, announced on state-run television that Iran will retaliate against any future Israeli attacks on its interests from Iranian territory. “We have decided to create a new equation: from now on, if the Zionist regime attacks our interests, assets, figures, and citizens anywhere, we will reciprocally attack from the origin of Iran,” Salami declared, signaling an increase in tensions between the two nations.
President Biden has called for Israel to exercise restraint in responding to Iran’s attack, advocating for a united diplomatic effort among allies to prevent the conflict from escalating into a broader Middle Eastern war that could involve the U.S.
“Together with our partners, we defeated that attack,” Biden stated during a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani on Monday, emphasizing the U.S. commitment to Israel’s security, a cease-fire, the return of hostages, and containing the conflict.
The UK, France, and Germany have advised Israel against retaliating after Iran’s significant attack, warning that military action could escalate into a full-scale regional war.
British Foreign Secretary David Cameron spoke to the BBC, acknowledging Israel’s right to respond to the attack involving around 350 drones and missiles but stressed that Israel needs to “think with its head as well as its heart, to be smart as well as tough.”
French President Emmanuel Macron has also urged Israel to adopt a policy of isolation rather than retaliation following Iran’s attack. Speaking to French media, Macron described the Middle East situation as “very unstable” and emphasized France’s commitment to Israel’s protection. “We will do everything to avoid a conflagration,” he stated on BFMTV, noting that he was scheduled to speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later Monday and was in contact with other regional countries.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, speaking at a news conference in Paris alongside her French and British counterparts, emphasized the need for diplomacy following Israel’s defensive success. “Now we must prevent an escalation in the region,” Baerbock stated, revealing she had warned Iran’s foreign minister against further escalation during a discussion on Sunday.
Israel’s military reported that its air defenses successfully intercepted 99 percent of over 300 Iranian drones and missiles aimed at the country on Sunday. In support, the U.S., France, and the U.K. intercepted drones directed at Israel the previous night. Additionally, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, despite not officially recognizing Israel, agreed to share intelligence privately. Jordan, which has advocated for a cease-fire in Gaza, permitted the use of its airspace for U.S. and allied warplanes and deployed its aircraft to help intercept the attacks, according to Saudi and Egyptian officials.
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