Why can't Israel make unilateral decisions on its multifront war? - analysis

• Published date: 19 April 2024
• Author: DEBBIE MOHNBLATT/THE MEDIA LINE
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

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Kan also reported that while the majority of Israeli leadership and military officials supported a retaliatory strike, there was notable opposition within the government, advocating against escalation. This internal debate comes in the wake of Iran's claim that its attack was in retaliation for an alleged Israeli strike in Damascus on April 1, which resulted in the deaths of two Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps generals and several other officers.

A separate report by Axios noted that Israel's War Cabinet reconsidered a direct strike on Iran for operational reasons, ultimately deciding against it after consulting with the Biden Administration. This decision aligns with broader international calls for restraint and strategic patience.

Following Tehran's massive air assault over the weekend, the potential for an Israeli retaliation has been under scrutiny. Jerusalem has vowed to respond to the attack, without specifying how or when. While some Israeli lawmakers advocated for a full-scale, immediate attack on Iranian territory, the United States made clear that it was against any attack that would spark a regional war.

According to US officials, President Joe Biden conveyed to Israel's prime minister that the United States would abstain from engaging in any aggressive maneuvers against Iran. The president emphasized to Netanyahu the importance of thoughtful and strategic consideration regarding the potential consequences of an escalation.

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock visited Israel on Wednesday to convey the message of de-escalation. Following a meeting they held with Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister relayed to his cabinet that he had informed the diplomats that Israel "will make our own decisions, and the State of Israel will do everything necessary in order to defend herself."

However, Jack Kennedy, associate director and head of Middle East and North Africa Country Risk at S&P Global Market Intelligence, told The Media Line that he believed that it was unlikely the Israeli government would commit to a direct military strike on Iran without open military support from Washington. However, if it happens, he continued, "it would significantly increase the likelihood that Iran would continue to respond to such activity with large, multilayered attacks on Israel launched from states across the region as well as Iran."

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