JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel is vowing to retaliate against Iran, risking further expanding the shadow war between the two foes into a direct conflict after an Iranian attack over the weekend sent hundreds of drones and missiles toward Israel.
Israeli officials have not said how or when they might strike. But as countries around the world urge Israel to show restraint and the threat of a multi-front war mounts, it’s clear that a direct Israeli attack on Iranian soil would lead to major fallout.
Iran says it carried out the strike to avenge an Israeli airstrike that killed two Iranian generals in Syria on April 1. It has pledged a much tougher response to any Israeli counterattack attack on its soil.
With Israel focused on its war against Hamas in Gaza, and already battling Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon every day, the U.S. has urged Israel to show restraint.
U.S. officials say President Joe Biden has told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the U.S. will not participate in any offensive action against Iran, and the president made “very clear” to Netanyahu “that we do have to think carefully and strategically” about the risks of escalation.
Israel’s war cabinet has spent the last two days debating their next move. Here are some considerations key to their decision.
Ricky Rudd, Carl Edwards and Ralph Moody selected to NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2025
Polar icebreaker Xuelong 2 receives warm welcome in Hong Kong
China criticizes Fitch's sovereign rating downgrade
Xi Inspects Nanjing in East China's Jiangsu Province
Iran: Thousands mourn President Raisi and others killed in helicopter crash
CPC Leadership Reviews Guidelines on Policies Supporting Construction of Xiong'an
Apps simplify expense steps for foreign users
In pics: Wuhu Mountain national forest park in Fujian
China installs deepwater jacket for offshore oil development
A tiny Michigan town's century
Xi Focus: Xi Calls for More Achievements in Party's Theoretical Innovation