Israel has threatened to see Iran. In response to Iran’s drone and missile attacks, the country intends to retaliate. However, the Israeli War Cabinet was unable to reach a decision on how and when this counterattack would take place. Meanwhile, the US has warned Israel against re-engagement with Iran.
On April 1, an airstrike hit the Iranian consulate in Damascus, the capital of Syria. A total of 11 people were killed in this, including two top generals of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Al-Quds Force. Although Israel has not officially claimed responsibility for the attack, Iran has been blaming Israel for it.
In response, Iran launched several drone and missile attacks on Israel last Saturday. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Saturday night that Iran launched drones and missiles at Israel. Iran claimed to have destroyed an Israeli intelligence center and an air base in that attack.
According to a report in the Israeli media Times of Israel, the Israeli war cabinet met for at least 3 hours yesterday to determine the response to the Iranian attack on Sunday. However, even in this long meeting, the 5-member cabinet could not determine the time and manner of reply. However, Israeli media channel 12 said that the meeting will resume very soon.
Another Israeli media outlet, Israel Hayom, quoted an Israeli government official as saying, “There will certainly be a response (to Iran).” However, US broadcaster NBC quoted a source in the Israeli prime minister’s office as saying that a decision has not yet been made on whether to respond to Iran.
The source added, however, that the IDF will have to present all options to respond (to Iran). But it is clear that Israel will respond. The same was echoed by Israeli policymakers.
Israeli Minister Benny Gantz said Israel will respond to Iran, but certainly not too quickly. In a video message, he said, ‘We will build a regional alliance to face Iran. Iran will pay the ultimate price and we will ensure it in the right way.”
Israel must do so, Gantz said, noting that Iran must answer for Israel’s national security. He also said, the game is not over yet. Strategic alliances and realignment of regional cooperation must be strengthened, especially at this time.
Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden and Defense Minister Lloyd Austin have warned Israel not to engage in conflict with Iran. They asked Israel to think carefully about attacking Iran. Earlier, Biden said that if Israel attacks Iran, the United States will not support it.