The top military official in Israel has vowed to retaliate against Iran’s recent attack, prompting several Western nations to urge Israel to avoid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened his war council for the second time in less than a day to address Iran’s missile and drone assault.
Israel’s military leader, Herzi Halevi, affirmed that his nation would respond to the attack without disclosing specific plans.
Speaking from the Nevatim Airbase in southern Israel, he stated, “The barrage of missiles, cruise missiles, and drones entering Israeli territory will not go unanswered.”
Following Iran’s retaliatory strike for an Israeli attack on its embassy in Damascus, concerns have risen about a potential full-scale conflict between Israel and Iran, as well as the spread of violence from Israel’s conflict with Gaza.
“We are teetering on the brink and must step back,” remarked Josep Borrell, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, in an interview with Spanish radio station Onda Cero.
Similar appeals for restraint were made by French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron, aligning with calls from Washington and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
“The region and the world cannot afford more conflict,” emphasized Guterres on Sunday. “It is crucial to de-escalate tensions now.”
Russia, while refraining from publicly criticizing its ally Iran, expressed concerns about the potential for escalation and urged all parties to show restraint.
“Escalation serves no one’s interests,” stated Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
Following the attack involving hundreds of drones and missiles, Belgium and Germany summoned Iranian ambassadors to address the situation.
Article from www.aljazeera.com