Israel’s strike on Iran on Friday morning will not be surprising to Western observers, but it will raise concerns in Washington and London as the region moves closer to all-out war. The escalation began with Iran’s attack on Israel on April 13, which was in response to an Israeli strike on an Iranian consulate. Tel Aviv made it clear that they would need to respond to the attack, and that night, Joe Biden advised Benjamin Netanyahu against an immediate response, stating that America would not support or participate in any offensive action against Iran. Despite the US president’s advice to “take the win” from their effective air defenses which limited the damage caused by the Iranian strikes, not all of Netanyahu’s colleagues agreed with this approach.
Israel’s war cabinet has been in discussions about when, where, and how to carry out a military response. While some in the Israeli government, known as the “doves,” are cautious about the risks of entering into all-out war with Iran, others are pushing for a stronger retaliation. The region is on edge as tensions continue to rise between these two countries. The recent events have highlighted the complex dynamics and delicate balancing act that Israel faces in navigating its relationships with Iran and its Western allies. The situation remains fluid as both sides weigh their options and consider the potential consequences of further military actions.