On Monday, Israel’s military chief, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, stated that Israel will respond to Iran’s recent attack, though specifics on the timing and nature of the response were not disclosed. This statement came after a severe escalation on Saturday when Iran launched a direct assault on Israel, the first of its kind despite long-standing hostilities that trace back to Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.
The Iranian offensive involved a significant number of drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles targeting Israel, with the Israeli military reporting that 99% of these were successfully intercepted by its air defenses and warplanes, supported by a U.S.-led coalition. This high interception rate was confirmed during statements made by both Halevi and Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari at the Nevatim air base, which sustained minor damage from the attack.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been actively consulting with senior officials on how to address the Iranian strike. In discussions with U.S. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Netanyahu asserted that “Israel will do whatever is required to defend itself,” signaling a potential for retaliatory action despite international pressures to avoid further escalation.
Globally, there is a concerted call for restraint. The U.S., particularly through Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, emphasized the importance of avoiding further conflict escalation, while also stating the U.S.’s readiness to protect its regional forces. This sentiment was echoed by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron, both advocating for de-escalation.
The broader geopolitical context includes increased cooperation under the U.S. Central Command, which includes various Middle Eastern nations such as Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and others, fostering a regional defense network against threats like those from Iran. Interestingly, the recent attacks saw collaboration in missile interception efforts involving not just the U.S., but also Britain, Jordan, France, and surprisingly Saudi Arabia.
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