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Israel's military gears up for response after Iran's weekend attack, as world leaders urge restraint to avoid escalation
Israel's military chief announced on Monday that the country is poised to retaliate against Iran's recent attack, heightening tensions in the region.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened his war cabinet for the second time in less than 24 hours to discuss the situation sparked by Iran's missile and drone assault over the weekend.
“This launch of so many missiles, cruise missiles, and drones into Israeli territory will be met with a response,” Chief of General Staff Herzi Halevi said at the Nevatim Airbase in southern Israel.
Israeli hawks have advocated for a retaliatory response, while more moderate voices have emphasized restraint, urging Israel to prioritize the cultivation of burgeoning relationships with Arab allies.
Iran responded to a suspected Israeli strike on an Iranian consular building in Damascus by launching over 300 drones and missiles toward Israeli territory.
Israel's anti-missile defense system, supported by the U.S. and Britain, intercepted most of the projectiles, but tensions remain high.
However, the chief of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard called the operation successful.
It marked the first time Iran has launched a direct military assault on Israel despite decades of enmity dating back to the country’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.
International leaders, including the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, urged for restraint, emphasizing the need to de-escalate the situation.
The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of avoiding further conflict in the already volatile region.
French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and U.K. Foreign Secretary David Cameron echoed the calls for restraint made by Washington and Guterres.
France, Belgium, and Germany have summoned Iranian ambassadors, with the French foreign ministry affirming France's collaboration with partners to deescalate tensions.
Meanwhile, Russia, refraining from public criticism of its ally Iran, expressed concern over the risk of escalation on Monday and advocated for restraint.
Despite calls for peace, the situation remains precarious as Israel weighs its response while countries like France, Belgium, and Germany summon Iranian ambassadors, signaling a diplomatic push to defuse tensions.
Amid the diplomatic efforts to calm tensions, all eyes are on Israel's next move and whether it will heed international appeals for restraint or escalate the situation further.
Source: Newsroom
1 min read
