Israel is currently evaluating potential responses to Iran’s recent attack using hundreds of drones and missiles, as global calls for restraint to prevent a broader conflict continue to escalate.
During the initial direct Iranian assault on Israel, nearly all projectiles were intercepted by Israel and its allies.
The United States has made it clear that it will not participate in any Israeli retaliation to avoid further escalation in the region’s already tense hostilities.
Israeli Minister Benny Gantz emphasized that Israel will hold Iran accountable at the appropriate time.
For almost two weeks, Iran had been signaling its intentions to retaliate against the April 1st airstrike on its diplomatic compound in Damascus, attributing the attack to Israel. This incident resulted in the deaths of several military advisors, including two top generals.
Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, an Israeli military spokesperson, reported that Iran launched approximately 300 explosive drones, cruise, and ballistic missiles, with the majority being intercepted by Israel and its international allies.
Following the attack, Jerusalem’s air raid sirens wailed at around 01:45, prompting residents to seek shelter as air defenses intercepted incoming projectiles over the city. The Israeli military released a map indicating areas at risk and urged residents to take precautions.
Fortunately, the impact of the attack was limited, with minor damage sustained at a military base in the south and a seven-year-old Israeli girl critically injured by a missile that breached the defenses.
In a phone call, US President Joe Biden reassured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of America’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security but cautioned against an Israeli response.
After the successful defense against Iran’s attack, a senior US administration official advised Israel to carefully consider its next steps to avoid further escalation.
Tensions between Israel and Iran have been ongoing, with proxies in the region carrying out attacks. The recent events risk thrusting the two old adversaries into a direct confrontation, prompting international efforts to de-escalate the situation.
Israel’s war cabinet, including Minister Gantz, convened to deliberate on potential responses, although no definitive decision was reached due to differing opinions on timing and scale.
Iran’s military issued warnings against Israel’s retaliation, asserting that any response from Iran would surpass the recent military action.
Despite the heightened tensions, Israel began returning to normalcy, with reopened airspace and operational airports. A local resident in Jerusalem highlighted the country’s defense capabilities and expressed hope for peace.
