A dangerous new dynamic

• Published date: 15 April 2024
• Publication title: Irish Times (Dublin, Ireland)

Although successfully repulsed, the first direct attack on Israel by Iran has brought a dangerous new dynamic to the long-simmering conflict between the two countries, with US, British, French and Jordanian air defence forces now drawn in to defending Israel. Until recently hostilities had been maintained at arm’s length, using Iranian proxies or targeted assassinations by Israel of Iranian military leaders and nuclear scientists. Now the risk is of a wider conflict in the region

Whether and how Israel now responds is critical. Once again Israel’s allies, the US and UK, having demonstrated their willingness to stand by it, are desperately pleading with prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stay his hand and avoid further tit-for-tat retaliation, particularly if provocative targets on Iranian soil are being considered.

Iran insists that “the mission is accomplished and the operation is over and we have no intentions of going further.” But Israeli retaliation would, it warned, prompt further, “much larger” attacks.

Israel would do well to show restraint. Its successful repulsion of the waves of drones and the very limited damage done are ample demonstration of its military strength. Its immediate boast...