Israel is facing a critical decision on how to respond to the recent Iranian attack, with former major general and national security adviser Yaakov Amidror stating that Israel has the apparent legitimacy to attack Iran. Amidror, who is now at the conservative-leaning Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security, believes that Israel has two good options: either continue the campaign against Hamas in Gaza and prepare to take on Hezbollah in Lebanon, or coordinate with allies to act against Iran.
Foreign leaders, including President Biden, have been urging restraint, while other Israeli military and political leaders emphasize the importance of preserving and strengthening alliances with Western and moderate Arab countries. The recent Iranian attack has actually garnered Israel international support after facing criticism over its actions in Gaza.
Israel’s options range from openly striking Iran to not retaliating at all, with the possibility of leveraging non-retaliation to encourage further international sanctions against Iran. There is also the option of conducting cyberattacks or engaging in covert actions against Iranian interests without claiming responsibility.
The decision Israel makes in response to the Iranian attack will have significant implications for regional stability and international relations. As tensions continue to escalate, the world watches closely to see how Israel will navigate this complex situation.
