Israel is facing a critical decision on how to respond to the recent Iranian attack, with experts and officials weighing in on the best course of action. Yaakov Amidror, a former major general and national security adviser in Israel, believes that Israel has the apparent legitimacy to attack Iran in retaliation. He suggests that Israel could finish the campaign against Hamas in Gaza and prepare to take on Hezbollah in Lebanon.
However, foreign leaders, including President Biden, have been urging restraint, emphasizing the importance of preserving alliances with Western and moderate Arab countries. Benny Gantz, a centrist member of Israel’s war cabinet, emphasizes the need to strengthen the regional coalition against the Iranian threat.
Israel’s options range from openly striking Iran to not retaliating at all, with the possibility of leveraging international support for further sanctions against Iran. The precedent of exercising restraint during the Gulf War of 1991 is also considered, as well as the potential for cyberattacks or covert actions against Iranian interests.
The decision on how to respond to the Iranian attack will have significant implications for Israel’s relationships with its allies and its ongoing conflict with Iran. The world is watching closely as Israel weighs its options and determines the best course of action in this critical moment.
