Tensions between Israel and Iran have escalated once again, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with U.S. President Joe Biden to discuss the ongoing situation. This conversation, the first between the two leaders since August, came at a crucial time, with Israel preparing a possible military response to an Iranian attack earlier in October.
Both Netanyahu's office and the White House confirmed that the phone call focused on the increasing tensions with Iran, an adversary Israel has long viewed as a significant threat.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre described the conversation as "direct" and "productive," although she did not reveal specific details of what was discussed.
She did confirm that the two leaders continued talks about Israel’s potential response to the Iranian missile strike, which occurred on October 1. The lack of explicit information on the content of the call suggests that sensitive military decisions may be in the works.
Following this phone call, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant issued a firm warning to Iran, threatening a severe and unexpected military retaliation. In a video statement, Gallant said Israel’s response would be “lethal” and “precise,” and emphasised that it would catch Iran off guard.
He made it clear that while the recent Iranian attack caused physical damage, it was viewed as a failure from the Israeli perspective. The retaliation, according to Gallant, would be far more damaging and would serve as a strong message to Tehran.
The recent Iranian attack, reportedly involving around 180 ballistic missiles, targeted airbases and residential buildings in Israel. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, though the attack caused structural damage.
Iran framed the assault as a retaliation for the alleged assassinations of prominent resistance figures, including Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah. Both leaders are known for their opposition to Israel, and their potential targeting by Israeli forces has long been a point of tension between the two countries.
Despite the damage caused by the missiles, Israel has remained steadfast in its stance, treating the attack as a misstep by Iran. Gallant's strong words underscored Israel’s confidence in its ability to launch a more effective counter strike. His message was clear: Israel would retaliate, and the impact would be both unexpected and highly damaging to Iran.
In the lead-up to this conversation between Netanyahu and Biden, Israeli media had already reported that Israel was preparing for military action against Iran. Israeli officials, including Netanyahu and his top advisors, held a key meeting to discuss their response, signalling that a strike might be imminent.
Sources cited by The Times of Israel indicated that Israeli retaliation would primarily target Iranian military facilities, although the specific details of the plan could change as the situation evolves.
The involvement of the U.S. in these discussions highlights the significance of Israel's relationship with Washington, particularly in the context of regional security.
The Biden administration has been a crucial ally for Israel, and the phone call between the two leaders is a reflection of ongoing cooperation between the two nations.
While the U.S. has often urged caution in situations like this, the close bond between the countries ensures that their discussions are pivotal in shaping how Israel proceeds.
It is clear that the situation remains tense, with both countries weighing their next moves carefully. For Israel, the prospect of a major military operation against Iran is not taken lightly. Yet, given the severity of the recent attack and the ongoing threats posed by Iran and its regional allies, it appears that retaliation is increasingly likely.
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