Tit-for-tat strike

ITCHING to retaliate against the October 1 Iranian attack, Israel struck missile manufacturing facilities and other military targets in Iran on Saturday. Though Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that the barrage “achieved all its goals”, it would be naïve of him to assume that Tehran will not respond militarily sooner or later. The fact that the strike took place more than three weeks after the ballistic missile attack by Tehran indicates that Tel Aviv preferred to wait and watch before taking action. Nevertheless, this is a grave provocation that can push West Asia deeper into the mire.

Israel has dismissed reports that it avoided hitting Iranian gas and oil facilities because of US pressure, but it is apparent that Tel Aviv is reluctant to start a full-blown war against Iran. Already grappling with Hamas and Hezbollah, Israel has intended to send out a strong message to Iran’s Supreme Leader and military commanders. However, even the presumably limited scope of the Israeli operations is enough to infuriate Iran. If Israel has the right to self-defence, so does Iran. If this vicious cycle of retaliation and counter-retaliation continues, regional tensions are bound to escalate.

American President Joe Biden is hopeful that the Israeli strike would mark the end of the confrontation. His optimism is clearly misplaced as Iran is keen to keep Israel on tenterhooks, either directly or through its military proxies. Exercising restraint is alien to both nations, but they do need to carefully consider the ramifications of this destructive course not only for West Asia but also the world at large. Warmongers such as Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, who called the October 26 strike “a good beginning in order to target Iran’s strategic assets, which needs to be the next phase”, must not be given free rein by the Netanyahu government.