Israel finds itself in a different situation than the Scud Attacks from Saddam Hussein, where he shot ballistic missiles into Israel during the 1991 Gulf War to pressure it into fighting, and to hopefully divide the Arab coalition against him. Israel restrained itself and did not retaliate, and was widely praised. Today in 2024, Israel (with the help of multiple shooters in the form of the U.S. and Jordan) shot down almost all the drones and tomahawks and ballistics. Will Israel declare “victory” or will it retaliate this time because of Iran’s seeming act of war? Remember, I’ve said it before, the consulate destruction (and the death of the terror Quds Force generals) in Damascus does not appear to be a violation of international law, but was a continuation of the undeclared war already going by Iran against Israel. See “IDF says 99 percent of launches intercepted, Iran’s attack ‘failed’,” i24NEWS, 4-14-24.
“Iran warns Israel, US of ‘severe response’ in case of retaliation,” Al Jazeera, 4-14-24. “Iranian military chief says overnight attack ‘achieved all its goals’, adding that US bases are under threat if it backs Israeli retaliation.” Funny? Iran didn’t achieve any goals, didn’t even kill Israelis. Almost all its bullets were shot down. What goals must it have had?
“Iranians express support for Israeli strikes on regime sites,” i24NEWS, 4-14-24. “Reports indicate that Iranians have engaged in spreading anti-regime graffiti in the streets and have utilized social media platforms to express support for Israel’s actions.”
“Iran told Turkey in advance of its operation against Israel, Turkish source says,” Reuters, 4-14-24.
One of those rare times when the USG and the IRI seems to agree–both have said not to respond to Iran’s attack. “Iran warns Israel, US of ‘severe response’ in case of retaliation,” Al Jazeera, 4-14-24.
“What was in wave of Iranian attacks and how were they thwarted?,” BBC, 4-14-24. “Iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles towards Israel, …. The attack included 170 drones and 30 cruise missiles, none of which entered Israeli territory, and 110 ballistic missiles of which a small number reached Israel.” BTW, BBC coverage of the conflict is good, but i24 remains the most balanced and in-depth despite their being right in the middle of the action.
“Video emerges of Iran seizing Israeli-linked cargo ship before they attacked,” CNN, 4-14-24.
“Iran Attacks on Israel Spur Escalation Concerns,” Council on Foreign Relations, 4-14-24.
“Report: Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, provided intelligence on Iran attack,” Times of Israel, 4-14-24.
‘We’re crazier than you realise’: Iran delivers its message with attack on Israel,” Financial Times, 4-14-24.
“UN Security Council to meet Sunday for emergency talks on Iran’s attack against Israel,” Times of Israel, 4-14-24.