Iran attacked Israel with numerous missiles and drones, making a direct confrontation between the two countries, which the world had long feared would lead to a full-scale war in the Middle East, become a reality.
But behind the scenes of the unprecedented attack, diplomatic signals were also sent that allowed both sides to declare success.
Iran had been warning of the attack for days, and the Israeli military said 99% of its missiles and drones were shot down, with no civilian casualties. The Iranian side acknowledged that it had made its point and tried to refrain from any moves that could lead to an escalation of war. Western powers supporting Israel also called on the 14th to avoid further escalation.
Israeli air defense system intercepts Iranian missile over Tel Aviv (April 14)
Photographer: Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu/Getty Images
Since the Islamic group Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel on October 7 last year, violence has spread to other Middle Eastern countries, but Israel and its opponents have managed to hold back at the brink.
A new phase in Israel’s conflict with Iran – direct confrontation as well as proxy forces
Recent U.S.-led diplomatic efforts have focused on de-escalating the crisis in the Palestinian territory of Gaza, according to people familiar with the talks. However, there has now been a shift towards a definitive containment of Israel’s reaction.
The attack was intended to be devastating, U.S. officials said on condition of anonymity, but the United States has urged Israel not to retaliate.
But one of the people said that logic may not hold true. It can be said that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s position has become stronger after successfully repelling the Iranian attack, but one element of uncertainty is the pressure on him from hard-liners within his administration.
Director of the Middle East and North Africa Program at the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House);Sanam BakirHe said Iran’s attack was “very well-coordinated” to limit the damage, but said it was “closer than ever to a war that would involve the wider Middle East region.”
Israel made clear to the United States on Wednesday that it does not seek a significant escalation of the conflict with Iran, according to several U.S. officials. Israel is more concerned with defending itself, one of the officials said.
“Neither side wants this to turn into a full-scale war,” said Michael Singh, a former White House official and current managing director of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Does that mean anything? Absolutely not.”
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Original title:Iran’s Attack on Israel Sparks Race to Avert a Full-Blown War (1)(excerpt)
(Updated to add expert opinions, etc.)