Israel’s Pledge of Response to Iran Attack as Biden Advises Netanyahu to ‘Think Carefully and Strategically

On April 13th, the Middle East plunged into a perilous phase as Iran launched its inaugural direct military assault on Israel, retaliating against an Israeli strike on its consular compound in Syria. This tit-for-tat escalation resulted in the demise of two senior Iranian generals, exacerbating long-standing hostilities between the two nations. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian claimed that Iran had issued a 72-hour warning to neighboring countries and the United States, though a senior official in the US administration under President Joe Biden disputed this assertion, asserting that no such notice was received.

Here are the key developments:

1. Global Condemnation: Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida joined the chorus of condemnation, denouncing Iran’s missile and drone assault on Israel as a dangerous escalation that further destabilizes the region.
2. Gulf States on Alert: Amid fears of a wider regional conflict, Gulf nations, particularly Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, are scrambling to avert a full-scale confrontation that could disrupt efforts to reshape the Middle East.
3. Israel’s Response: Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari declared that Israel remains vigilant post-attack, with approved operational plans for both offensive and defensive maneuvers, emphasizing their ongoing mission in Gaza against Hamas.
4. US-Israel Relations: US officials reaffirmed their unwavering alliance with Israel while urging restraint. President Biden personally urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to exercise caution in response to the attack.
5. UN Call for Restraint: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, emphasizing the dire consequences of further escalation and the need for diplomatic engagement to prevent a wider conflict.
6. Iran’s Defiant Stance: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi warned of a potent and remorseless response to any future aggression against Iran’s interests, asserting that the attack served as a lesson for Israel.
7. US Intervention: US forces intercepted numerous drones and ballistic missiles launched from Iran and Yemen during the attack, highlighting American efforts to quell the violence.
8. Diplomatic Efforts: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged in diplomatic dialogues with key regional players, including Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt, underscoring the urgency of de-escalation.
9. UN Accusations: Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, accused Iran of violating international law, presenting evidence of Iranian drone activity near Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque compound during a UN session.

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