Israel vows retaliation following Iran's missile assault: A looming conflict?
A member of the Israeli war cabinet, Benny Gantz, has announced that Israel will retaliate against an attack by Iran, stating the response will occur at the "appropriate time." Is this signalling the onset of a full-blown conflict?
15 April 2024 08:26
From Saturday night into Sunday, Iran launched an assault on Israel, dispatching hundreds of drones and cruise missiles towards its adversary. The Israel Defense Forces have reported that, with the aid of its air defence system and support from allies, they managed to intercept 99% of the approximately 300 inbound missiles. The sole casualty is reported to be a seven-year-old girl whose residence was struck by debris from a downed missile.
The situation might be regarded as resolved. Still, should the Israeli regime err again, Iran's response will be far more severe. This dispute pits Iran against the detestable Israeli regime, a matter from which the USA should distance itself - the permanent representation of Iran to the UN stated.
A war cabinet minister's declaration
Benny Gantz, a minister within the Israeli war cabinet, addressed the overnight assault on Israel. He described Iran as a global menace, a regional hurdle, and a direct threat to Israel while noting that " yesterday, the international community overwhelmingly supported Israel against this menace".
Gantz further explained that Israel is working on establishing a "regional coalition" and intends to ensure Iran pays a fitting price, albeit at a time and in a way that best suits Israel, emphasizing that Israel only grows stronger in the face of threats.
The unmet objectives
The minister pointed out that the aims of the conflict in the Gaza Strip with the Hamas group remain unachieved. These include securing the release of kidnapped individuals and safeguarding the inhabitants of the country's south and north, who are vulnerable to bombardments from the Gaza Strip and the Hezbollah group in Lebanon, backed by Iran.
On Sunday, Benny Gantz also mentioned his conversation with the Foreign Minister of the United Kingdom, David Cameron, regarding the unfolding situation in the region.
I expressed to him my gratitude for the United Kingdom's firm opposition to Iranian hostility and its proxies, underscoring the importance of rallying the international community against the Iranian axis of terror in the region and globally – Gantz revealed on the X platform.