Israel’s Silence on Future Actions against Iran and Uncertainty about Collaborators in Missile Interception
Israeli leaders have praised an international military coalition for assisting in foiling a direct Iranian attack involving drones and missiles. The coordinated response is seen as a starting point for a “strategic alliance” of regional opposition to Tehran. However, Israel’s War Cabinet has not yet made a decision on next steps, leaving the world in uncertainty about the potential escalation of the conflict.
Led by the United States, Britain, and France, with the participation of several Middle Eastern countries, the military coalition provided support to Israel during its war against Hamas in Gaza. This coalition not only helped Israel counter the Iranian threat but also has the potential to serve as a model for future regional relations after the Gaza conflict ends.
Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari highlighted the significance of this coalition, stating, “This was the first time that such a coalition worked together against the threat of Iran and its proxies in the Middle East.” However, the identities of Israel’s collaborating neighbors in intercepting the majority of Iran’s drones and missiles remain unknown. Jordan is speculated to be one of them, as it took action in self-defense against potential Iranian attacks.
The United States has long been working towards establishing a regionwide alliance against Iran, aiming to integrate Israel and enhance ties with Arab countries. Efforts like the 2020 Abraham Accords, which established diplomatic relations between Israel and four Arab nations, and Israel’s inclusion in the U.S. military’s Central Command have been made in this regard. While the recent war in Gaza has stalled some of these efforts due to Arab outrage, behind-the-scenes cooperation between Israel and countries like Saudi Arabia continues, with hopes of forging post-war ties.
Israel’s military chief, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, expressed gratitude towards CENTCOM for their joint defensive effort, acknowledging the role played by Jordan and Saudi Arabia. The Israeli military released a map illustrating missiles traveling through the airspace of these nations. Amos Yadlin, former head of Israel’s military intelligence, emphasized the importance of regional organizing against Iran, suggesting that Arab countries supported Israel to prevent themselves from being targeted next.
Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, spoke with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and emphasized the opportunity to establish an international coalition and strategic alliance against Iran. The White House also signaled its interest in building on these partnerships while cautioning Israel against offensive action against Iran.
Iran launched this attack in response to an airstrike in Syria earlier this month, which is widely believed to have been carried out by Israel and resulted in the deaths of two Iranian generals. Israel stated that over 99% of the missiles fired by Iran were intercepted, with only a few managing to penetrate their defense systems. While the attack caused minor damage to an Israeli airbase, it could have been far more devastating without Israel’s multilayered air-defense network and collaboration with the U.S. and other allies.
The outcome of this conflict will be closely observed as it has implications for the region and Western capitals. Israel’s next moves will be crucial, especially as it seeks to develop the coalition praised for its assistance. U.S. President Joe Biden has pledged to convene allies to formulate a unified response, and the Group of Seven countries have unanimously condemned Iran’s attack while expressing readiness to take further measures.
Throughout Israel’s war in Gaza, tensions between Israel and Iran have been escalating. The recent attack by Hamas and Islamic Jihad, backed by Iran, in which 1,200 people were killed and 250 others were kidnapped, has further strained relations. Hamas welcomed Iran’s attack on Israel, considering it a natural and deserved response to the strike in Syria. Hezbollah, another Iran-backed group, also supported the attack and has been engaged in daily exchanges of fire with Israel along its northern border.
As the conflict unfolds, the role of Israel’s collaborating neighbors and the potential for a regional coalition against Iran remain uncertain. The world awaits Israel’s next move in this ongoing shadow war with Iran.
