Israel, with the help of its main ally, the United States, the United Kingdom, France and countries like Jordan, has managed tonight to intercept 99 percent of the 170 drones, 30 cruise missiles and 120 ballistic missiles launched by Iran since its territory and that of its affiliate groups in neighboring countries, such as Syria, Yemen, Iraq and Lebanon.
Only two projectiles caused damage. One in the Negev desert, where the interception of a missile caused injuries to a seven-year-old girl from the country’s most punished minority, a Bedouin. The other fell without causing major damage at an Israeli military base.
The result of the operation has allowed the Israeli Defense Forces to congratulate themselves on the solidity of their defenses. However, everyone is aware that the defense operation has been a success thanks to the participation of the United States. Ben Gvir, the minister who best represents the religious extreme right in the government, has called for an immediate response on Iran, but Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has been warned by Joe Biden, with whom he spoke tonight, to think carefully about his decision. and don’t respond.
Israel has asked the UN Security Council to meet to discuss the aggression. Iran, for its part, has issued a statement in which it appears to be satisfied with tonight’s show of force. And he asks that there be no counterresponse from Israel. Everything therefore points to a long pause.
But Netanyahu and his hawks think this will be their best opportunity to destroy Iran’s nuclear facilities, their great obsession. The Israeli prime minister has gained support from his allies, but it remains to be seen to what extent he is aware that it has been conditional support.
The airspace has been reopened seven hours after the attack and the main airport, Ben Gurion, is now operational. The attack, the sirens, the explosions in the sky, have caused a strong emotional impact among the population of large cities like Jerusalem. However, the most widespread feeling among people is tiredness. A fatigue that should impact the popularity of Netanyahu, the man who holds the key to a new escalation of the war in the region.
Tonight’s attack was Iran’s long-announced response to the attack on this country’s embassy in Damascus (not yet claimed by Israel). Seven officers of the Revolutionary Guards died in that attack, two of whom were senior commanders of this elite corps.
