Israel is currently weighing its response to Iran’s recent drone and missile attack, which was the first direct attack against Israel launched from Iran. The attack included 170 drones, 120 ballistic missiles, and 30 cruise missiles, with most of the drones intercepted and the missiles causing minor damage to an Israeli airbase. President Joe Biden has advised Israel not to counterattack, as the majority of the incoming munitions were destroyed with joint efforts from the US and other allies.
Iran has stated that the attack was a one-time retaliation for the assassination of its officers in Syria, warning of a more intense strike if Israel or the US were to strike Iran. The Israeli military spokesperson has indicated that there are plans in place for a potential retaliation, with the war cabinet meeting to discuss options. However, Netanyahu reportedly called off a retaliatory strike after speaking with Biden, as the damage caused by the Iranian attack was minimal.
Previous instances of Israeli strikes on Iranian territory have occurred in response to perceived threats from Iran, with former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett confirming a strike on an Iranian drone manufacturing facility during his tenure. Israel had intercepted Iranian drones in the past, leading to indirect retaliatory strikes by Iran on locations in Iraqi Kurdistan. These covert attacks and retaliation were overshadowed by the conflict in Ukraine in 2022, but tensions between Israel and Iran have continued.
If Israel chooses to retaliate in response to the recent Iranian attack, it may opt for a more overt and symbolic strike against an Iranian target, in contrast to previous covert actions. Despite the option to retaliate, Israel may opt to consider the destruction of the majority of the drones and missiles as a victory, as suggested by President Biden. The decision on how to respond to Iran’s attack will be crucial in determining the future of the conflict between the two nations and the stability of the region as a whole.
