Israel’s security cabinet is set to convene Thursday evening to deliberate on retaliating against Iran for last week’s missile attack. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant will make the final call on the timing of the strike, according to public broadcaster Kan.
President Joe Biden’s call with Netanyahu on Wednesday, his first since August, highlighted his limited influence over Israel’s potential strike against Iran. Biden has cautioned Israel against targeting Iran’s nuclear sites, which Tehran would see as highly provocative. US officials are also concerned that attacks on Iranian oil infrastructure could raise energy prices and impact the global economy.
Science Minister Gila Gamliel, part of the security cabinet, assured that the right decision would be made to prevent future attacks from Iran. She indicated that Israel might act soon. An aide to another security cabinet minister, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue, suggested there would be a vote to authorise the retaliation.
Israel vows to hit Iran with ‘surprise’ attack in revenge for missile strike and warns Tehran ‘will not know what hit them’
via https://t.co/SoLYFq4N90 https://t.co/gQl0yYTNjK— John B Tawn (@27Tawnyowl) October 10, 2024
The US is urging Israel to restrict its response to military targets and is proposing new economic sanctions on Iran, according to sources. A readout of the Wednesday phone call from the White House did not mention a likely Israeli strike but reaffirmed Biden’s commitment to Israel’s security and condemned Iran’s missile attack on October 1. Israel did not release any readout, hinting at tensions with its major ally. A senior Israeli official, however, confirmed coordination with the US over the planned retaliation.
Defence Minister Gallant stated on Wednesday that Israel’s attack on Iran would be deadly, precise, and surprising. Washington is attempting to provide Netanyahu with an alternative to severe retribution, though it’s uncertain if he will accept, given the Biden administration’s reluctance to cut weapons supplies to Israel.
Iran’s attack was largely thwarted, but one person in the West Bank was killed, and millions of Israelis had to seek shelter. Some military bases were also struck. Vice President Kamala Harris is keen to prevent the conflict from affecting support in key states ahead of the November 5 election. Netanyahu, who has a strong relationship with Republican candidate Donald Trump, has shown little interest in assisting her, despite claiming neutrality.
Tensions between the US and Israel have grown over the past year. Netanyahu has frequently ignored US advice in response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and led to 250 hostages. The US has been frustrated by Israel’s extensive offensive on Gaza, which has resulted in about 42,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the health ministry in Gaza. The US has also criticised Israel for not allowing sufficient aid into Gaza and unsuccessfully tried to dissuade Netanyahu from sending ground troops into southern Lebanon.
Israel commenced its ground operation in Lebanon last week to weaken Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group. Netanyahu urged the Lebanese people to reclaim their country from Hezbollah, warning of potential destruction akin to Gaza if they did not.
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated on Wednesday that the situation in Lebanon must not mirror that in Gaza. The United Nations reported Thursday that two peacekeepers were lightly injured when an Israeli tank fired at an observation post in southern Lebanon. Ireland, whose peacekeepers were not among the injured, condemned the incident.
The Israel Defense Forces reported Hezbollah fired approximately 105 projectiles into Israel on Thursday.
Biden and Netanyahu’s conversation followed claims in a book by journalist Bob Woodward that Biden used expletives to describe Netanyahu. Despite Netanyahu’s defiance, he did heed US warnings after a similar attack in April, responding with a limited strike on an air-defense facility in Isfahan, Iran.
Retired US Navy Admiral James Stavridis, now a Bloomberg opinion columnist, suggested Israel would likely target Iran’s military-industrial complex rather than its nuclear or energy facilities. He estimated a one-in-four chance of a broader Middle Eastern war involving the US, although he deemed a sweeping conflict unlikely.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Al-Monitor reports Israeli officials weighing responses to Iranian attacks, considering direct strikes or cyberattacks, amidst US calls for restraint and international pressure on escalation.(read more)
- The Guardian reports on expected talks between Biden and Netanyahu as tensions rise, with Israel considering strikes on Iran amidst ongoing conflicts in Lebanon and Gaza.(read more)
- Bloomberg Government News highlights the strained influence of President Biden over Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu as Israel vows a deadly strike against Iran. The article emphasizes Netanyahu’s independent stance and Israel’s military preparations.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why is Israel considering retaliating against Iran?
Israel is considering retaliation due to last week’s missile attack by Iran.
What is the US stance on Israel’s potential strike against Iran?
The US is urging Israel to limit its response to military targets and suggesting new economic sanctions on Iran.
What did Biden and Netanyahu discuss in their recent phone call?
They discussed Israel’s security, condemned Iran’s missile attack, and reaffirmed coordination over the planned retaliation.
How did the missile attack affect Israel?
The attack killed one person in the West Bank, caused millions to seek shelter, and struck some military bases.
What are the concerns about a broader Middle Eastern conflict?
There’s an estimated one-in-four chance of a broader conflict involving the US, although a sweeping war is deemed unlikely.