Israel: We'll respond 'in a way and time that suits us' | DW News
TLDRIsrael is considering its response to Iran's missile and drone attack, with its war cabinet meeting to discuss potential actions. While no specific course was announced, Israel stated it would retaliate in a manner and timing of its choosing. International leaders are urging restraint, with the US emphasizing support for Israel's defense but not participating in military retaliation. Tensions remain as Israel weighs its options, including possible strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities, amid concerns of escalating conflict.
Takeaways
- 📜 Israel is considering its response to Iran's missile and drone attack, without announcing a definite course of action.
- 🇮🇷 Iran claims the attack was self-defense after the killing of several generals in an earlier attack on its diplomatic compound in Syria.
- 💥 Israel's military reports only minor damage to the Desert Air Base from Iran's aerial assault.
- 🔫 Israel and its allies shot down nearly all of the 300+ drones and missiles launched by Iran.
- 🕊️ World leaders, including the US, are calling for restraint and calm in response to the situation.
- 🇺🇸 The US has pledged to support Israel's defense but will not participate in military retaliation against Iran.
- 🗣️ There is domestic pressure in Israel for a strong retaliation, with various opinions within the Israeli War Cabinet.
- 🔄 Israel's options for response include cyber attacks, strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities, and targeting proxy groups.
- 🌍 The UN has held an emergency meeting, with both Israel and Iran accusing each other of threatening peace in the Middle East.
- 🔄 Iran has indicated that it considers the matter closed, but warns of an even harsher strike back if Israel retaliates.
- 🤝 There is a call for maximum restraint and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation and prevent a full-scale conflict.
Q & A
What was Israel's response to the missile and drone attack from Iran?
-Israel's war cabinet met but did not announce a definite course of action, stating that they would respond in a way and time that suits them.
What did Iran say about its assault on Israel?
-Iran claimed its assault was an act of self-defense after several of its generals were killed earlier in an attack on its diplomatic compound in Syria.
How successful was Israel's defense against the Iranian attack?
-Israel and its allies shot down nearly all of the more than 300 drones and missiles launched by Iran.
What did Israel's president imply about the situation?
-Israel's president suggested that options are open and that Israel is considering all options to protect and defend its people, emphasizing that they are not war seekers.
What was the United States' stance on the conflict between Israel and Iran?
-The US said it will support Israel's defense but will not take part in any military retaliation against Iran, leaving the decision on the next step to the Israelis.
What were some of the potential targets discussed by the Israeli War cabinet for retaliation?
-Some voices in the cabinet suggested striking Iran's nuclear facilities, while others discussed a more measured response to maintain international support.
What was the outcome of the United Nations emergency meeting regarding the attack?
-Both Israel and Iran accused each other of being the main threat to peace in the Middle East, and UN Chief Antonio Guterres called for restraint from both sides.
How did other countries in the region react to the situation?
-Jordan, which was in the flight path of some of the Iranian missiles and drones, downed some of them, and King Abdullah urged President Biden to prevent further action by Israel that could widen the conflict.
What did the international community, including the G7, focus on during their meeting about the conflict?
-The G7 focused on condemning Iran and containing the conflict, emphasizing the need for maximum restraint and stability in the region.
What was the analysis of military expert Mike Martin on Israel's potential military response?
-Mike Martin suggested that Israel has a number of military options, including cyber offensives and strikes on nuclear facilities, but any response should be limited to avoid fracturing relationships with America and Arab neighbors.
What was the main narrative shift that occurred due to the conflict?
-The narrative shifted from the situation in Gaza to Israel being under attack, which could potentially rally world opinion in favor of Israel.
Outlines
💥 Israel's Response to Iran's Attack
Israel is considering its response to Iran's missile and drone attack over the weekend. The Israeli war cabinet met without announcing a specific course of action but emphasized that Israel would respond in its own time and manner. Iran claims its assault was in self-defense after the killing of its generals in an attack on its diplomatic compound in Syria. Despite decades of hostility, this was Iran's first direct attack on Israel. World leaders, including the US, are calling for restraint and calm, urging Israel to consider all options to protect its people without escalating the situation further.
🌍 International Involvement and Concerns
The United States, particularly involved in the situation, has expressed a desire to prevent a broader conflict. US President Joe Biden urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to view the successful interception of most missiles and drones as a success and to avoid escalating the situation. A United Nations emergency meeting was called to address Iran's attack on Israel, with both countries accusing each other of threatening peace in the Middle East. UN Chief Antonio Guterres called for maximum restraint from all parties involved, and other nations, including Jordan, the UK, and France, have also shown support for Israel while urging for de-escalation.
🤔 Possible Israeli Retaliation and Considerations
Discussions within the Israeli war cabinet revolve around the scale and timing of a potential retaliation against Iran. Some cabinet members advocate for a memorable strike, while others suggest a more measured response to maintain international support. Options include targeting Iran's nuclear facilities, which have long been a point of contention. However, any Israeli response will likely need to be limited to avoid fracturing relationships with the US and Arab neighbors. The focus is on deterrence and protecting Israeli interests while considering the broader regional implications.
🔍 Analysis of Iran's Intentions and Escalation
The attack by Iran, while demonstrating capability, did not cause significant damage, suggesting a focus on sending a message rather than inflicting harm. Iran signaled its intent to respond to the attack on its consulate in Syria and has since stated that the matter is considered closed. The situation is complex, with potential for both military and diplomatic responses. The narrative has shifted from the conflict in Gaza to Israel being under attack, and it may take time to understand the full implications of the recent events. The Israeli leadership is currently pushing for war, but the unpredictability of such actions is a cause for caution.
📢 Diplomatic Efforts and Future Directions
The situation presents an opportunity for Israel to build on the security support it has recently gained by engaging in diplomatic efforts to address the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The release of hostages and a ceasefire are crucial first steps. The international community, including the G7 and the EU, has shown support for Israel and condemned Iran's actions, with some considering further sanctions against the Iranian Revolutionary Guards. However, maintaining open diplomatic channels and focusing on resolving the situation in Gaza is essential for long-term peace and stability in the region.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Israel
💡Iran
💡Missiles and Drones
💡Self-Defense
💡Deterrence
💡Nuclear Facilities
💡International Support
💡United Nations
💡Proxy
💡Cyber Offensive
💡Regional Conflict
Highlights
Israel is considering its response to Iran's missile and drone attack over the weekend.
Iran claims the attack was an act of self-defense after its generals were killed in Syria.
Israel's military reports only minor damage to its Desert Air Base from Iran's aerial attack.
Israel's war cabinet met without announcing a specific course of action but promises a response in due time.
This was Iran's first direct attack on Israel, marking a significant escalation in the conflict.
World leaders, including the US, are calling for restraint and calm in the situation.
Israel's president suggests all options are open and considers the attack a declaration of war.
The US pledges support for Israel's defense but will not participate in military retaliation against Iran.
Reports indicate varied opinions within Israel's war cabinet on the scale and timing of retaliation.
Some Israeli cabinet members advocate for a memorable strike, while others suggest a more measured response.
Israel's retaliation could potentially target Iran's nuclear facilities, a point of contention between the two countries.
Iran warns of an even harsher strike back if Israel retaliates.
Deterrence is a key factor in Israel's consideration for responding to Iran's attack.
International support for Israel's potential strike is limited, with the US and other allies urging restraint.
The UN calls for restraint, with both Israel and Iran accusing each other of threatening peace in the Middle East.
Jordan's King Abdullah warns that further action by Israel could widen the regional conflict.
Mike Martin, a war studies senior fellow, discusses Israel's military options and the potential targets.
Iran's attack on Israel was designed to demonstrate capability rather than cause significant damage.
The situation could escalate if Israel strikes targets that Iran considers existential threats.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may have political motives for escalating the conflict with Iran.
Despite the attack, there is still a possibility for diplomatic resolution and de-escalation in Gaza.