Israeli war cabinet holds third meeting on response to Iran’s attack

Israel’s war cabinet said it is set to meet again for the third time in three days to decide on a response to Iran’s first-ever direct attack.

This is coming amid international pressure to avoid further escalating the Middle East conflicts.

Israeli military chief of staff Herzi Halevi had vowed that Saturday night’s 300 missiles, cruise missiles and drones from Iran on Israeli territory “will be met with a response,” but gave no details.

While the attack caused no deaths and little damage, it has increased fears that violence rooted in the Gaza war is spreading to other countries, with the risk of an open war between long-time foes Iran and Israel.

Iran launched the attack in retaliation for an airstrike on its embassy in Damascus, which occurred on April 1 and was attributed to Israel.

President Joe Biden had told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the weekend that the United States, Israel’s main protector, would not participate in an Israeli counter-strike.

Together with European allies, Washington instead strove on Tuesday to toughen economic and political sanctions against Iran in an attempt to dissuade Israel from violent retaliation.