Israel’s military chief said on Monday that Israel would respond Iran’s weekend attacks But he did not elaborate on when and how world leaders urged Israel not to retaliate in an attempt to avoid an escalation of violence in the Middle East.
Iran’s attack on Saturday was retaliation for a suspected Israeli attack on an Iranian consulate building in Damascus, the Syrian capital, two weeks ago. Kill two Iranian generals. It was Iran’s first direct military attack on Israel, despite decades of hostility since the country’s 1979 Islamic revolution.
iran launch Hundreds of drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles during Israeli attacks. The Israeli military said 99% of the drones and missiles were intercepted by Israel’s own air defense systems and warplanes, in coordination with a U.S.-led coalition of partners.
Israel’s military chief, Lt. Gen. Hezi Halevi, said on Monday that Israel was considering its next steps but that Iranian attacks “will be met with a response.”
Halevi gave no details. Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Daniel Hagari said Israel would respond “at a time of our choosing.”
The two spoke at Nevatim Air Base in southern Israel, which Hagari said had suffered only minor damage in the Iranian attack.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been discussing possible responses with senior officials. For the second day in a row, the government did not announce any decisions.
“Israel will take all necessary measures to defend itself,” Netanyahu said in a conversation with U.S. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, the Prime Minister’s Office announced.
While Israeli leaders have hinted at retaliation, the government is under intense international pressure not to further escalate the conflict – especially after Iran’s attacks caused so little damage.
The United States has urged Israel to show restraint as it seeks a broad diplomatic response. The Group of Seven advanced democracies issued a joint statement “unequivocally condemning in the strongest terms” Iran’s attack and expressing “full solidarity and support for Israel”.
In recent years, the United States has also worked to strengthen relations between Israel and moderate Arab countries to form an alliance against Iran.
Much of this cooperation occurs under U.S. Central Command, which oversees U.S. military operations in the Middle East. Central Command works closely with militaries in the region, including those of Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries.
The United States, Britain and Jordan – key U.S. allies in the region – have all said their air forces have helped intercept Iranian missiles and drones. Halevia said France and “other partners” were involved, noting that “Iran’s attack creates new opportunities for cooperation in the Middle East”.
According to a map released by the Israeli military, Iranian weapons also flew over Saudi Arabia. Israel says most of the interceptions were conducted outside Israeli airspace, indicating at least tacit cooperation with Saudi Arabia.
Unilateral Israeli attacks could strain these behind-the-scenes contacts, particularly with countries such as Saudi Arabia that do not have formal diplomatic relations with Israel.As Israel is mired in a six-month war in Gaza, it could also risk opening a new front with Iran Fight against Hamas militants.
Israel and Iran have been in conflict throughout the Gaza war. The war broke out on October 7 after two Iranian-backed militant groups, Hamas and Islamic Jihad, launched devastating cross-border attacks that killed 1,200 Israelis and kidnapped 250 others.
Israel’s offensive in Gaza has killed more than 33,700 Palestinians and caused widespread destruction, according to local health officials.
Throughout the war, Israel has been fighting with Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group on its northern border, while Iran-backed Iraqi and Yemeni militias have also attacked Israel. The friction has fueled fears of a potentially devastating all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah, or a broader direct confrontation between Israel and Iran.
World leaders urge Israel not to attack Iran.
British Prime Minister Sunak said that “all parties must exercise restraint” to avoid an escalation of violence in the Middle East. French President Emmanuel Macron said Paris would try to “convince Israel that we cannot respond by escalating”.
In Washington, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby declined on Monday to say whether the United States had received or expected to receive a briefing on any Israeli response plans. “We will let the Israelis discuss this issue,” he said.
“We were not involved in their decision-making process regarding potential responses,” Kirby said.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States was not seeking to escalate the situation but said it would continue to support Israel’s security. He pledged to step up diplomatic efforts against Iran.
“Strength and wisdom need to be two sides of the same coin,” he said.
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