World leaders are urging Israel not to retaliate after Iran launched an attack involving hundreds of drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles. The attack marked the first direct military assault by Iran on Israel, despite decades of enmity dating back to the country’s 1979 Islamic Revolution. Israeli military spokesman reported that 99% of the drones and missiles launched by Iran were intercepted.
Israel and Iran have been on a collision course throughout Israel’s six-month war against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. The conflict escalated after a devastating cross-border attack by Hamas and Islamic Jihad, two militant groups backed by Iran, which resulted in significant casualties in Israel.
Following the recent attack, the U.K., France, and Germany have urged Israel to exercise restraint and avoid escalating tensions with Iran. British Foreign Secretary emphasized the need for Israel to be strategic in its response, while French President Macron labeled Iran's attack as a 'disproportionate response' to previous events.
The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting to discuss the situation but did not take any immediate action. U.N. Secretary-General called for de-escalation and maximum restraint from all parties involved.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military has lifted restrictions and allowed schools to reopen after the threat of further attacks subsided. President Biden spoke with Jordan's King Abdullah II to discuss the situation in the Middle East and reaffirmed their cooperation to address the crisis in Gaza.
Israel's President highlighted the strong alliance between Israel and the U.S., emphasizing the successful defense against Iran's attack. Senior Biden administration officials stated that the assault was intended to cause significant damage and death, but Israel, with the support of its allies, managed to thwart the majority of the munitions.
