Yaakov Amidror, a former major general and national security adviser in Israel, believes that Israel has the legitimacy to attack Iran following an Iranian missile strike on the Golan Heights. He presents two options: either continue the campaign against Hamas in Gaza and prepare to take on Hezbollah in Lebanon, or act in coordination with Western and moderate Arab allies to counter the Iranian threat. Amidror acknowledges that both options have pros and cons, leaving it up to preference for Israel to decide on its course of action.
Despite calls for restraint from foreign leaders, including President Biden, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not publicly threatened Iran since the attack. Other Israeli leaders are focused on preserving and strengthening alliances with Western and moderate Arab countries. Benny Gantz, a member of Israel’s war cabinet, emphasizes the importance of building a regional coalition against the Iranian threat and exacting a price from Iran in a manner that is strategic and beneficial for Israel.
The Iranian attack has resulted in a burst of international support for Israel after months of criticism over its actions in Gaza. Some officials argue that Israel should only act against Iran in coordination with its allies. There is a range of options available to Israel, from openly striking Iran to not retaliating at all. Experts suggest that refraining from retaliation could be used as leverage to encourage further international sanctions against Iran or formalize the anti-Iranian alliance that has emerged.
In considering potential actions against Iran, Israel may choose to follow a precedent set during the Gulf War of 1991, where then-Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir exercised restraint at the urging of the Bush administration to preserve an American-led coalition with friendly Arab states. Israel could also opt for bloodless cyberattacks or return to its shadow war tactics of conducting covert operations against Iranian interests, whether inside or outside Iran, without publicly claiming responsibility.
Ultimately, Israel’s decision regarding Iran will depend on a careful evaluation of the options available and the potential consequences of each course of action. Amidror’s assertion of Israel’s legitimacy to attack Iran underscores the seriousness of the situation and the need for Israel to consider its strategic interests and alliances in responding to the Iranian threat. The international support that Israel has received following the Iranian attack presents an opportunity for Israel to strengthen its position and potentially rally its allies against Iran in a coordinated effort.
