After Iran’s attack, Israel is weighing possible reactions. While right-wing extremists in the government are demanding retribution, President Herzog is trying to de-escalate. Defense Minister Gallant even sees an opportunity.
A common piece of news in times of war made it to the headlines in Israel that morning: the Israeli army had again intercepted a drone that came from the east during the night. Normally, a drone attack is located precisely and it is made clear who is targeting Israel – usually it is Hezbollah in the north. Could this now come from Iran? The idea is no longer unreasonable, the mood in the country is tense.
Iran’s attack on Israel at the weekend left its mark. Even though army spokesman Daniel Hagari speaks of a successful defense with the help of international partners: “Iran and its allies have fired 350 kamikaze drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles from Iran, Iraq, Yemen and from Hezbollah territory in Lebanon at Israel. With 60 tons of explosives.” The threat from Iran was able to be repelled with superior technology and international allies, Hagari continued. It was possible to intercept 99 percent of the missiles fired at Israel.
“Attempt to destroy Israel”
Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reports that half of the ballistic missiles – according to the Israeli army there were 110 – either failed to launch or crashed before reaching their target. Nevertheless, if the air defense had not worked so well, there could have been thousands of deaths, writes an Israeli daily newspaper. This was an attempt to destroy Israel, they say.
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog addressed the population with a speech in English: “The last thing Israel wants in this region since the founding of the state is war. We want peace. We are peace-loving people. We have peace with our neighboring states again and again “Of course we listen to our partners and allies and respect their perspectives.”
Room for speculation
The message was also addressed to the international community. Still, she didn’t seem reassuring. Herzog added: Iran’s attack could be seen as a declaration of war. But Israel is holding back because they consider the consequences. There is now room for speculation as to what Israel’s response to the attack from Iran will be.
They are driven by the right-wing forces in the government. They demand retribution with full force. Like the right-wing extremist Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich: “Tehran must shake, and quickly. Shame on us if Iran attacks us in an unprecedented way with such intensity. There must be a response, quick, sharp, intense and very, very painful.” , demands Smotrich.
Gallant sees opportunity
After all, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this time relied on direct consultation with his partner USA by telephone. Afterwards, a direct counterattack by Israel was said to have been canceled, Israeli media reported.
Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also struck a more conciliatory tone at a meeting with the American ambassador to Israel. Gallant said he sees the crisis as an opportunity: “We have an opportunity here to build a strategic alliance against this serious threat from Iran. Iran is threatening to put nuclear warheads on the missiles.” This could be a very serious matter, Gallant said. “The United States, Israel and our allies stand shoulder to shoulder in the face of this threat.”
Defensive alliance instead of counterattack, calming instead of escalation. Everything is still open. At least Israel relaxed some restrictions. Numerous schools were allowed to reopen in the morning. The country remains on alert. And the war continues – in Gaza and on the northern border with Lebanon. According to the military, four Israeli soldiers were injured in an explosion there.
Bettina Meier, ARD Tel Aviv, tagesschau, April 15, 2024 12:26 p.m