All eyes on Israel
Second War cabinet meeting could lead to a dangerous turn in case it agrees to a direct attack on Iran
Ignoring international pressure, Israel’s war cabinet has convened today (again after the one on Sunday) to plan a retaliation against Iran’s attack on 13 April 2014.
On Saturday the 13th, Iran surprised everyone with the barrage of missiles and drones it rained on Israel. It was known that Iran would at some point attack Israel, given the latter’s relentless attack on Palestine and Gaza since the 7 October 2023 terrorist attack on Israel, and the alleged bombing of Iran’s embassy in Syria. However, the world had underestimated the magnitude of the attack.
Reportedly, Iran fired around 300 projectiles including huge missiles, aiming to destroy significant parts of Israel. Missiles were fired from other neighbouring countries too. Israel’s defence system intercepted most of the missiles. Otherwise Iran’s attack could have triggered World War 3 already.
The US, while being an ally of Israel, has stated that it would not support Israel in case it attacks Iran back, but it also stands by along with several European nations to defend Israel.
Russia would stand to benefit from an escalation and China has extended support to Palestine and Iran. India has called for immediate de-escalation and return to diplomacy.
Now, what and how Israel responds to Iran would define the turn of events in the Middle-east and the whole world eventually. The war cabinet that met yesterday had reportedly agreed not to attack Iran – at least directly, but its unplanned meeting today could sway the decision especially given this was Iran’s first direct attack on Israel.
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