Rosalind Evans
In the wake of a significant missile and drone attack targeting Israel over the weekend, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has initiated a vigorous diplomatic campaign against Iran. The attack, which saw the launch of hundreds of drones and missiles into Israeli territory, was a direct retaliation for a deadly strike on an Iranian consulate in Syria earlier in the month, which resulted in the death of a senior Iranian military figure, among others.
Minister Katz, in response to the aggression, has reached out to the international community, advocating for heightened sanctions on Iran’s missile capabilities and pushing for the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. “Alongside the military response to the firing of the missiles and the UAVs, I am leading a diplomatic offensive against Iran,” Katz stated in a social media post. He emphasized the situation’s urgency, saying, “We must stop Iran now before it is too late.”
Despite Israel not claiming responsibility for the attack on the Iranian consulate, the repercussions have escalated tensions in the region, heightening fears that ongoing conflicts with Hamas and violence in Gaza might expand into a broader regional conflict. International dynamics further complicate this situation, with significant democracies led by the G7 actively working on coordinated measures against Iran. Israeli military officials have indicated readiness to respond to the attacks, with the army chief of staff Herzi Halevi, stating, “This launch of so many missiles, cruise missiles, and drones into Israeli territory will be met with a response.”
In contrast, diplomatic sentiments from the U.S. suggest a more restrained approach. President Biden assured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of support but clarified that the U.S. would not engage in a counteroffensive. White House national security spokesman John Kirby reiterated this stance, emphasizing that while the U.S. supports Israel’s right to defend itself, it does not seek a wider war with Iran.
The developments mark a significant moment in Israel’s foreign policy as it navigates these complex geopolitical waters. Katz’s call for international cooperation against Iran shapes the potential for future diplomatic and military engagements in the region.
