As the world watches closely, attention is drawn to the potential Israeli response against Iran. There are discussions within the occupation circles about a decision to deliver a significant and powerful strike in light of Iranian threats of an even stronger retaliation should the anticipated Israeli attack proceed. This has heightened international fears regarding the outbreak of a regional war.
Observers confirm that the countdown for a possible Israeli strike against Iran has begun, with expectations of its execution within just a few hours, coinciding with the first anniversary of the October 7 attack carried out by the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, against settlements surrounding the Gaza Strip.
According to political analysts, the occupation seeks to erase the image of Israeli failure represented by the events of October 7 by launching substantial strikes. However, warnings of committing new massacres in Gaza, Lebanon, and other areas in the region abound.
Regulating the Pace of the Response
Political analyst Wissam Afifeh states, “In light of the accelerating events, the countdown for a possible Israeli strike against Iran has begun,” noting that the commander of the U.S. Central Command recently arrived in Tel Aviv. This reinforces the impression that Washington is keen to regulate the pace of this operation carefully.
In an analysis shared on his Telegram channel, Afifeh adds, “While Netanyahu holds intensive security consultations in the coming hours, the entire region stands on the brink of a major confrontation, with everyone watching Israel’s next move cautiously, especially given the American involvement in decision-making.”
He points out that, in a surprising turn, U.S. President Joe Biden abandoned his planned visit to Camp David and rushed back to the White House, amidst expectations of an emergency event requiring immediate intervention, likely linked to the Israeli strike on Iran.
Such measures are typically taken during major crises that demand rapid responses from the highest levels of American authority. Amid ongoing escalation, the recent Iranian statements signify a rise in defiance against Israeli threats, including Netanyahu’s latest comments.
Iran’s Readiness for Confrontation
Iran’s announcement of its readiness for all potential scenarios signals that Tehran is prepared to enter a confrontation at any cost. Afifeh remarks, “It appears that playing with fire has commenced, and everyone is waiting to see who will burn first.”
Meanwhile, writer Luay Sawalha emphasizes that Iran’s role in supporting the resistance is not merely a matter of financial or military assistance; it forms part of a broader vision aimed at achieving strategic balance in the region.
In an article published on Arabi21, Sawalha explains, “This vision sees Palestine as the heart of the struggle against Zionism and Western hegemony; thus, supporting the Palestinian resistance is an integral part of Iran’s regional strategy.”
He highlights that Iran and the resistance axis are working in high coordination to support the Palestinian people, providing them with the necessary means to confront the occupation. He asserts that “this coordination and cooperation between the resistance and Iran have borne fruit today in the form of missiles capable of striking deep into the entity and making a strategic impact.”
“Missiles that Shake the Entity”
He continues, “The resistance axis is now stronger and more influential than ever before, with the Palestinian people at the heart of this battle, armed with an unyielding will and missiles that shake the foundations of the occupation.”
Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated, “Any attack targeting Iran from the Zionist entity will face a stronger response,” clarifying that “any aggression against us by Israel will receive a stronger response from our side, and they can test our resolve.”
On Friday, the Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported that the Security Cabinet had decided to respond to Iran’s recent attack. Channel 13 noted that the council decided to retaliate against the Iranian assault, indicating that Tel Aviv “wants to conduct a significant operation in response to Iran but does not want a course that diverts it from its war objectives.”
Israeli officials conveyed that “Israel wishes for the response to Iran not to lead to a cycle of strikes in the near future.”
U.S. President Joe Biden previously stated that “his administration is in communication with the Israelis 12 hours a day,” emphasizing that Tel Aviv has not yet decided on its method of retaliation against Iran, but added, “If I were in their position, I would consider alternatives to launching a retaliatory strike or targeting Iranian oil facilities.”
