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Israel’s Ambassador to the United States said that Israel has no choice but to respond to Iran’s recent strikes on the country last weekend. 

 In a televised interview, Ambassador Michael Herzog emphasized the necessity of a response, stating, “This cannot just pass. It cannot go unanswered. Because if you don’t answer, the Iranians will feel impunity, and they will feel that you can strike anywhere in the Middle East or elsewhere, without any consequences.”

Herzog also called for stronger sanctions against Iran, stressing the need for increased deterrence. “In our part of the world, defense is not enough to create deterrence. We need to push back.” He added, “And the main message, the main lesson from what happened the other day when Iran attacked us, is that all of us have to enhance the deterrents vis-a-vis Iran. If we do not push back against Iran, in a matter of few years, you may see nuclear warheads on ballistic missiles.”

Despite these statements, key international allies have expressed concerns. The US, along with British, French, and German leaders, have cautioned Israel about the risks of escalating the situation into a regional war. These warnings, however, have not swayed Israeli leadership.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking on the same day, announced Israel would make its own decisions on security-related issues. He said, “I want to be clear: We will make our decisions ourselves. The state of Israel will do whatever is necessary to defend itself.”