For years, Iran has been content to attack Israel indirectly, via its proxies in the Middle East. To that end, Tehran has funded, armed and egged on Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, to name just three. The country has always stepped back from directly striking Israel — until now. In that sense, a Rubicon has been crossed.
The series of attacks were a failure. Thanks to Israeli defence systems — with vital assistance from the United States, Britain and France — 99 per cent of the 300 missiles and drones fired on Israel were shot down. Notable too was the participation of Jordan in downing Iranian projectiles.
But Israel now faces a choice. The Iranian attack was in its nature unprecedented and its size escalatory. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu will come under enormous pressure to respond forcibly, given that deterrence is key to security. Yet practically by definition, retaliation would represent further steps up the ladder to all-out regional war, with unimaginable consequences to life.
The weekend was a reminder not only that Israel faces existential threats, but also that its security is tied up with allies and military cooperation. Any response, which may not be immediate, ought to be carefully calibrated to enhance its security, rather than lead to dangerous escalation.
Rough sleeping vow
The ambition is certainly the right one. Sadiq Khan today pledged to eliminate rough sleeping from the capital by 2030. Yet under the Mayor’s watch the problem has grown worse, not better. Latest figures show 4,389 people were found sleeping rough between October and January — compared with 2,561 just before Khan took office in 2016.
Of course, the reasons why people end up on the streets are often multifold, taking in poverty, mental health issues, relationship breakdown and the lack of truly affordable housing. Moreover, Khan has enjoyed little help from the Government, which now seems intent on fining the homeless.
Yet Khan’s promise fails to be honest with Londoners about the scale of the problem and the difficulty in fixing it. That helps neither the homeless nor inspires public confidence.
Oat’s not simple
Can London truly be said to have existed before the first oat latte? The plant-based milk has become synonymous with a certain lifestyle, ideal for the image and environmentally-conscious alike. Yet all is not as it seems. From blood glucose spikes to low protein, today we spill the beans on oat milk’s secrets.
Fortunately, there are alternatives, such as soya and almond. And those seeking caffeine could always go hardcore and take their coffee black.
