In the aftermath of Iran’s extensive missile and drone assault on Israel late Saturday night, a prevailing sentiment among global commentators in newspapers and TV networks emerged: urging Israel to exercise restraint in its response.
This stance was echoed by numerous political leaders, particularly those who habitually offer guidance to Israel in times of crisis. Such advice is notable considering the scale of the attack, which involved over 150 Iranian drones armed with explosives, approximately 30 cruise missiles, and around 120 ballistic missiles.
One might question whether a similar recommendation for restraint would be heeded if a comparable onslaught had targeted Britain. Would we calmly listen to counsel advocating restraint and agree that refraining from action would be the most prudent course of action? It’s doubtful. History shows that in past instances of aggression, such as the Argentinian invasion of the Falklands, there was an overwhelming national demand for a robust response to demonstrate that attacks against us will not go unanswered. In such situations, we expect our allies to stand in solidarity, offering unwavering support. It’s reasonable to assume that Israel is experiencing a similar sentiment today.
Israel’s investment in defense technology, particularly its collaboration with America’s Boeing corporation, proved invaluable during Saturday night’s attack. Germany’s decision to procure a similar system in a $3.5 billion deal underscores its recognition of the importance of such defense measures. This technology played a crucial role in thwarting Iran’s attempt to overwhelm Israel’s defenses with a barrage of drones and missiles. Therefore, the outcome of the attack should not dictate Israel’s response.
Rather than dwell on the relatively limited impact of the assault, Israel is likely to focus on Iran’s malicious intent. Launching such a massive array of missiles and drones at another country indicates a clear intention to inflict significant harm and destruction.
It is being said that the attack was only in response to Israel’s bombing of an Iranian ‘diplomatic mission’ in the Syrian capital of Damascus, which housed an important command centre of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Seven commanders and military personnel, including the most senior general, were killed in the attack.
Tehran says it ‘deems’ its assault on Israel to be over. One of its top generals says it has ‘no intention to continue the operation’, which he claimed had been a ‘full success’ (and which makes you wonder what failure would look like). So Israel should just move on.
But should it? For a start, this was the first attack on Israel launched from Iranian soil. That alone represents a major escalation of hostilities. Hitherto, Iran has worked through its regional proxies to undermine Israel and spread misery across the Middle East. Now, it has attacked Israel directly from its own territory. That is reason enough why Israel can hardly look the other way.
Moreover, the command centre that Israel hit in Damascus was a major base for the IRGC’s Quds Force, which arms, trains and finances Iran’s proxy militia across the region, including Hamas and Hezbollah, which have brought so much misery to Israel.
The general killed was a pivotal link with the proxies. So it was a legitimate target.
It is important to understand the wider picture. The Islamic Republic of Iran aims to be the superpower of the Middle East but it is a Persian-speaking, Shiite nation in an overwhelmingly Sunni part of the Muslim Arab world. So it has sought to establish its suzerainty by, first, taking the most extreme positions against Israel and the West; and, second, by extending its power and influence through a variety of proxy militia that share its nihilistic approach to the democracies.
Hezbollah possesses an abundance of rockets ready to launch at Israel whenever deemed necessary by either itself or Iran. The Houthis have made attempts to control access to the southern Red Sea with the assistance of Iranian spy ships.
Iranian-backed militia groups in Syria and Iraq have conducted numerous attacks on American bases in the region, resulting in 200 casualties and multiple fatalities. Consequently, Israel has valid grounds for retaliation following the weekend’s assaults. However, it must exercise caution in its response, considering the potential consequences of any misstep.
The Iranian missile and drone attack was successfully repelled not only by the Israel Defense Forces but also with assistance from its allies, primarily the United States. Additionally, RAF fighter pilots played a role, and Jordan deployed its military assets to intercept Iranian missiles and drones that breached its airspace. Remarkably, an Arab nation utilized its military capabilities to aid in defending the Jewish state.
I’ve been informed that, along with the Americans, Saudi Arabia provided Israel with crucial intelligence regarding Iranian intentions, enabling Israel to prepare for the attack. Thanks to the support of its allies, only a small number of Iranian missiles managed to penetrate Israeli airspace.
Having allies is advantageous when confronting Iran and its proxies. Even Western critics such as U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau are expressing solidarity once again. Israel should not overlook the importance of this support.
Iran’s agenda includes undermining Israel and humiliating America, and unfortunately, it has been too successful in these endeavors. Israel is justified in responding to the mass attack, despite the unfounded fears of it escalating into World War III, which seem intended to deter Israel from taking action.
Even a strong Israeli response is unlikely to escalate into a broader conflict, as Iran understands it lacks the capability to engage in a successful war with Israel, given Israel’s air power superiority.
The timing and manner of Israel’s response are decisions for Israel to make, but it must consider the broader implications. Israel cannot effectively confront Iran without the support of allies.
Fortunately, Israel has allies not only in America, Britain, and much of the West but also among Arab nations. This is a significant shift from the past, such as in 1973 or 1979, when the Middle East was largely hostile to Israel and the West, and the threat of activating the oil-price weapon loomed.
Therefore, Israel must take appropriate action in response to the appalling events of the weekend, while ensuring it does not alienate its allies in the process.
