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Are we on the brink of World War III? Speaking to world media yesterday from Nevatim Air Base in southern Israel, IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said Tel Aviv would do “whatever is necessary to protect the then state of Israel, in whatever way we, the Israelis, choose.” He said he would do it.
This comment (which Israel frequently makes) is not a specific threat to launch new attacks against the Tehran regime in response to the weekend’s drone attack, but rather a threat to regional aggressors such as Iran or its proxies. It is a general code of oath to protect oneself from. A barrage of missiles.
There were also reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had asked his military to provide a list of Iranian missile targets to “send a message” rather than cause casualties. In effect, this appears to be Israel’s attempt to save face in the wake of Iran’s attack.
This is similar to the Iranian government attack that was deemed necessary after the killing of an Iranian military commander in Damascus this month, but carried out with the apparent knowledge that it would largely be thwarted.
The latest mood music coming out of Israel may sound relatively reassuring that the region is not on the brink of all-out war, but the Desperate diplomatic efforts will not be quelled. Escalate the situation.
Prime Minister David Cameron is scheduled to visit Israel this week to send a message to the nation of the need for restraint. An emergency meeting of G7 foreign ministers on the island of Capri is expected to see Western governments push for new sanctions in response to Iran’s attacks.
These likely have a dual purpose: not only to warn Iran against further action, but also to try to convince Israel that the international community is trying to rein in Tehran.
But no one in Whitehall or Washington is complacent. This is Iran’s first attack on Israel from its own territory. Diplomatic officials agree that Middle East relations are entering a new era.