While calls for restraint have been made by internationals, the Israeli War Cabinet has met yet again to discuss a measured response to Iran’s drone and missile strike.
On Monday, Netanyahu convened his war cabinet for the second time in less than 24 hours to deliberate on how to address Iran’s weekend missile and drone assault, a government insider revealed. Military Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi affirmed Israel’s intention to retaliate, though specifics were not disclosed.
“This launch of so many missiles, cruise missiles, and drones into Israeli territory will be met with a response,” he asserted at the Nevatim Airbase in southern Israel, which bore some damage from Saturday’s onslaught.
While Iran framed the attack as retaliation for an alleged Israeli airstrike on its embassy compound in Damascus on April 1, it signalled a desire to avoid further escalation. However, the incident, though causing minimal casualties and damage, stoked fears of heightened conflict between the historical adversaries and raised concerns of the Gaza war’s ripple effects spreading.
U.S. President Joe Biden assured Netanyahu that while the United States aided Israel in repelling the Iranian assault, it would refrain from participating in any Israeli counter-offensive.
Against the backdrop of ongoing clashes between Israel and Iran-aligned groups across multiple fronts, including Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iraq, concerns mounted about the risk of broader regional conflict.
Global leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, urged de-escalation, echoing appeals from Washington and the United Nations.
White House national security spokesman John Kirby refrained from divulging specifics of Biden’s discussions with Netanyahu but emphasised the U.S. stance against war with Iran.
Meanwhile, U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin reaffirmed America’s commitment to defending Israel while advocating against escalation.
Russia and China also urged restraint, with the Kremlin underscoring the mutual disinterest in further escalation, and China expressing confidence in Iran’s ability to navigate the situation while upholding regional stability.
Iran’s attack, following the killing of seven Iranian Revolutionary Guards officers, including senior commanders, in Damascus, underscored the fragile state of affairs in the region. As tensions simmered, the international community remained watchful, hoping to avert further turmoil while preserving peace and stability in the Middle East.
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
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