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Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has told US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin that Israel has no choice but to respond to Iran’s missile and drone attack.
This communication occurred during a discussion about the attack, which involved nearly 350 drones and missiles launched against Israel as retaliation for an Israeli airstrike that killed a top Iranian commander in Damascus.
The Biden administration, alongside other Western allies, has been cautioning Israel against an “impulsive” retaliation that could escalate into a regional war. In addition, diplomatic efforts are underway, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken coordinating a G7 diplomatic response to Iran that the US government hopes could appease the Israeli government not to strike.
On the Iranian side, there was a clear warning against escalation. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, told the UK Foreign Secretary, “If Israel seeks adventure, our next response will be immediate, stronger and more extensive.”
This comes as the United States has privately warned Israel that it would not partake in any offensive military action against Iran. Despite this, the US has publicly vowed to defend Israel.
