Speculations on Israel's Powerful Response to the Islamic Republic's Attack

The English section of Voice of America reported on the Islamic Republic of Iran's missile attack on Israel, stating that this attack has escalated tensions across the Middle East, and analysts predict a powerful reaction from Israel. According to the report, the question is whether this will be merely a transient exchange of fire or will provoke retaliatory attacks that could engulf the entire Middle East. Sean Sheikh from the Center for Strategic and International Studies says, "Both scenarios are possible. The parties involved; Iran and Israel, have options to escalate and de-escalate tensions, and there is no predetermined path for their choices." James Jeffrey, former U.S. ambassador to Turkey and Iraq, who now heads the Middle East program at the Wilson Center, stated in a written response to Voice of America questions that "Iran's ability to escalate tensions for an attack on Israel is technically limited" and emphasized that "in contrast, Israel has greater capabilities than Iran, and ultimately, this military superiority could be decisive." Also see: Joe Biden: Israel's response to the Islamic Republic's attack should be "proportional." According to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the attack on Tuesday was in retaliation for the killing of three key figures supported by the Islamic Republic: Hassan Nasrallah, Secretary-General of Hezbollah, Ismail Haniyeh, political leader of Hamas, and Abbas Nilforushan, Deputy Commander of the IRGC. Israel has not yet claimed responsibility for the killing of Ismail Haniyeh. In the missile attack on Tuesday, which was the second and largest direct attack by Iran on Israel, nearly 200 ballistic missiles were launched toward Israel. In the first attack, which occurred in Farvardin of this year, over 300 drones and missiles were used. According to the report, in both attacks, Israel's defense systems, with the support of American forces, intercepted most of the missiles and prevented significant damage, but Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, stated that the leaders of the Islamic Republic made a "big mistake" that "they will pay for." Prior to the recent attack, the Iranian government's calm response to Israeli attacks on officials and proxy groups of the Islamic Republic had raised doubts about Tehran's willingness to confront a stronger enemy. However, according to Sean Sheikh, they could no longer sit back and watch Hezbollah being destroyed by Israel. Also see: Military experts: The recent attack on Israel was more complex and advanced than before. He added, "They had to react; both to protect Hezbollah in Lebanon and to show their proxy groups and allies across the region that they will defend their interests." The Islamic Republic's attack on Tuesday came after a ground assault by the Israeli army and in response to last week's Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon that incapacitated Hezbollah's leadership. Israel describes this ground operation as "limited, localized, and targeted," aimed at driving Hezbollah forces out of the border area and destroying its military infrastructure. Meanwhile, Hezbollah reported on Wednesday that its militants had clashed with Israeli forces. Concerns about escalating tensions exist, and the question is whether the Biden administration will ask Israel to respond with restraint, as it did after Iran's first attack. Joe Biden ordered the U.S. military on Tuesday to assist Israel in intercepting Iranian missiles, stating, "Do not mistake; the United States fully, completely, and totally supports Israel." James Jeffrey, a former U.S. envoy to the Middle East, says that after Iran's attacks on Israel in Farvardin, the understanding among the U.S., Israel, and Iran was that "if you do this again, there will be serious retaliation." Accordingly, it seems that the risk of escalating tensions is greater this time. Sean Sheikh believes that the longer the conflict lasts, the more political pressure will be placed on both sides to engage with greater firepower. However, Joshua Landis, director of the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Oklahoma, assesses Iran's attack as a weak attempt to maintain its credibility, stating that while Netanyahu may see it as an opportunity for a severe attack on Iran, the likelihood of continued conflict is uncertain. He believes that "everyone is extremely anxious and worried," and it is unlikely that any other country will join this conflict, reducing the prospect of a regional conflict. Yossi Cooperwasser: I hope the Israeli attack leads to the overthrow of the regime with the cooperation of the Iranian people. Guterres condemned the Islamic Republic's missile attack after being banned from entering Israel. Domestic and international flights at airports across Iran have been canceled until 5 a.m. Thursday. Analysts' assessment of the Islamic Republic's missile attack: The Iranian government made a significant strategic mistake. U.S. Defense Secretary: We intercepted the missiles fired by Iran; there is no doubt about our support for Israel. Former Israeli Prime Minister: The greatest opportunity in the last 50 years to change the face of the Middle East has arisen. The U.S. State Department spokesperson did not rule out targeting nuclear facilities in Iran. The Pentagon: Israel was successful in defending itself against the second missile attack from the Islamic Republic. Blinken: We are in close contact with Israel and regional partners; the world must condemn Iran's attack. Biden's order to the U.S. military to defend Israel.