Israel Responds to Iran: No Other Options Available

Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant informed the United States that Israel must retaliate against Iran following a significant drone and missile attack on Sunday.

During a phone call with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Sunday, Gallant explained that not responding to the attack would send a message to Iran that it can attack Israel whenever it deems necessary in response to Israeli airstrikes in Syria, according to Axios.

The Iranian regime stated that the attack was in retaliation to an alleged Israeli airstrike in Damascus on April 1 which led to the deaths of seven senior Iranian officers.

Austin reportedly reiterated President Joe Biden’s position that Israel should refrain from retaliating as the U.S. would not support it.

Israel’s War Cabinet convened on Monday to make a final decision on how to respond, with another meeting scheduled for Tuesday.

The IDF presented Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with various target options, including a potential strike in Tehran, and a strategic cyber attack, as per The Washington Post.

Israel aims to convey a strong message without causing casualties, as stated by an Israeli official to the Post.

Israel’s Channel 12 news reported that a range of strike options were discussed during Monday’s cabinet meeting, some of which could be implemented immediately.

It was mentioned in the report that Israel plans to coordinate any action with Washington, despite the Biden administration not directly endorsing a strike against Iran. Furthermore, Israel reassured its Arab neighbors that they would not be at risk after Iran made threats against countries supporting Israel. Israel reached out to Jordan, Egypt, and some Gulf states to assure them that any response would not implicate them in the action.

On Tuesday morning, KAN reported that Jordan had heightened aerial patrols and announced that it would not permit any entity to use its airspace. This move was an apparent response to Iran. Jordan reportedly permitted Israeli fighter jets to enter its airspace early on Sunday to intercept Iranian drones and missiles, with the Royal Jordanian Air Force actively participating in the counter-attack.

This article was republished with permission from All Israel News.