JERUSALEM. Israel’s war cabinet, tasked with deciding on a response to Iran’s unprecedented direct attack, postponed its scheduled third meeting from Tuesday to Wednesday. Western allies are considering swift new sanctions against Tehran in hopes of deterring Israel from escalating the situation further.
Military chief of staff Herzi Halevi had vowed to respond to Iran’s barrage of over 300 missiles, cruise missiles, and drones launched at Israeli territory on Saturday night. However, he provided no specifics regarding the planned response.
Despite causing minimal casualties and damage, thanks to Israel and its allies’ air defenses and countermeasures, the attack has raised concerns about the escalation of violence stemming from the six-month-long Gaza conflict. There is now an increased risk of a full-blown war between longstanding adversaries Iran and Israel.
Iran initiated the attack in retaliation for an airstrike on its embassy compound in Damascus on April 1, which was attributed to Israel. However, Iran has since indicated that it considers the matter closed.
An Israeli government source disclosed that the war cabinet’s Tuesday session had been rescheduled for Wednesday, without offering further details.
President Joe Biden informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the weekend that the United States, Israel’s primary ally, would not participate in any Israeli counterstrike. Instead, alongside European allies, the U.S. is striving to bolster economic and political sanctions against Iran to dissuade Israel from retaliating massively.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz stated that he is spearheading a diplomatic effort, reaching out to 32 countries to urge them to impose sanctions on Iran’s missile program and follow the U.S. in designating its Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen affirmed that the U.S. would utilize sanctions, in collaboration with allies, to disrupt Iran’s “malign and destabilizing activity.” She anticipates additional sanctions against Iran to be announced in the coming days.
European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell announced that some member states have proposed expanding sanctions against Iran. This expansion could encompass restrictions on the supply of Iranian drones to Russia, extending to the provision of missiles and deliveries to Iranian proxies in the Middle East.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock revealed that several EU members have pledged to reconsider extending sanctions. She plans to visit Israel shortly to discuss strategies for preventing further escalation.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized to Netanyahu during a Tuesday call that escalating tensions in the Middle East serve no one’s interests and would only exacerbate insecurity in the region. He urged for calm and reasoned action.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani warned that Iran would retaliate to any Israeli counterattack swiftly, stating that Iran would not wait “another 12 days” to respond.
The prospect of Israeli retaliation has sparked concern among Iranians already grappling with economic hardship and increased social and political restrictions since major protests in 2022-23.
Since the Gaza conflict began in October, skirmishes have erupted between Israel and Iran-aligned groups in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iraq.
The recent escalation prompted at least a dozen airlines to cancel or reroute flights, with Europe’s aviation regulator advising caution in using Israeli and Iranian airspace.
Iran’s attack over the weekend caused limited damage in Israel, injuring a 7-year-old girl. Most of the missiles and drones were intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome defense system, with assistance from the U.S., Britain, France, and Jordan.
In Gaza, where over 33,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli offensive, according to Gaza health ministry figures, Iran’s action was met with approval.
Israel commenced its campaign against Hamas, the Iranian-backed Palestinian militant group governing Gaza, following militant attacks on Israel in October that resulted in numerous casualties and hostages.
The situation remains tense as diplomatic efforts continue to avert further escalation in the region.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
