Iranians launched the biggest attack they have ever undertaken against the Israelis on 13 April. As per the Israeli military the entire salvo consisted of 300 killer drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles. As per Israeli estimates, 99 per cent of these were intercepted. The only damage caused is at a military base in Southern Israel. However, no damage to life has been reported at the base.
The Israelis were assisted in their defence by the Americans. Two US Navy destroyers had already been moved to the region by the Americans in anticipation of a retaliatory attack after the Israelis killed two senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard (IRG) officer on 1 April, in Syria. The IRG officers were in the Iranian embassy building in Damascus when the Israelis attacked the embassy with drones.
The Iranian retaliatory attacks were launched from Iran, Iraq and Yemen. The fact that in spite of launching 300 airborne weapon systems, there’s hardly any effect on Israeli targets, raises a question about the capabilities of Iranian systems as also the targeting process adopted.
Meanwhile, there has been an outpouring of responses from various quarters. The US President, in a statement said, “I condemn these attacks in the strongest possible terms. He also said that, “I have just spoken with Prime Minister Netanyahu to reaffirm America’s ironclad commitment to the security of Israel.” Blinken, US Secy of State has said, that the US does “not seek escalation” but will “continue to support” Israel’s defence and defend US personnel.
The Indian response reflects the governments apprehensions about the volatile situation in the region. “We are seriously concerned at the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran which threatens the peace and security in the region.” Immediate de-escalation, restraint, stepping back from violence, is what the Indian response communicates.
“I call for an immediate cessation of these hostilities,” Secretary-General UN said in a statement issued in New York early Saturday evening. The UN Security council has scheduled a meeting today.
Post Israeli counter-offensives in Gaza, this is possibly the most violent incident in the region. Counter strikes by Israel are very much on the cards, however, the fact of no substantial damage to Israeli infrastructure or deaths on account of the Iranian attack, could have a mitigating effect on Israeli response. Netanyahu may want to respond, but the Americans will need to hold him back.
The Iranian mission in the UN has said, “The matter can be deemed concluded. However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran’s response will be considerably more severe.”
There is a need to find a solution to Gaza and Houthi belligerency, to start with. Resolving issues with Iran will take a lot more time.
Brig SK Chatterji (Retd)
