STEP BACK NOW

Israel and Iran have both crossed red lines. The ball is now in the Netanyahu government’s court

THE ATTACK ON Israel — Iran launched over 300 missiles and drones on Saturday — could mark either an ominous chapter in an escalating conflict, or lead to a much-needed pause in a region rocked by violence. The unprecedented attack on Israeli soil — the last time a similar strike took place was during the first Gulf War — was a response to the airstrike, allegedly by Israel, on an Iranian consulate building in Damascus. Several people were killed in that attack, including senior officers of the Revolutionary Guard. Nearly all of the missiles and drones launched by Iran were neutralised by Israel’s missile defence systems as well as those of friendly nations and there has been minimal damage to property and no loss of life. Iran’s mission to the UN stated that the attack was a proportionate response under the Charter for Selfdefence and that Tehran considered “the matter concluded”. The ball is now in the Benjamin Netanyahu government’s court.

The fact remains that red lines have been crossed. Thus far, the conflict between Israel and Iran has been carried out largely through proxies and attacks on each other’s personnel on foreign soil. With the attack on the Iranian mission and the missile attacks, there is a danger of an all-out conflict between the two regional powers. The perils of such a conflict have been recognised by the US and other Western countries. US President Joe Biden has made it clear that the US will not back Israel in offensive operations against Iran and G7 countries, and while condemning the attack, has flagged the dangers of an escalation. The Netanyahu government, however, has been sending mixed messages. Over the last two days, it has hinted that it could “retaliate”, though it would do so in a time and manner of its choosing. Some are viewing the missile attack as a failure of Israel’s “deterrence” policy — this constituency might demand reprisals. The prime minister was deeply unpopular in Israel before the October 7 attack by Hamas. The failure to bring back the remaining hostages and the prolonged conflict have put Netanyahu in the dock once again. His increasing dependence on the conflict and the country’s far-right to stay in power means that the Israeli government might act in dangerous and unpredictable ways.

The attacks on civilians in Gaza, expansion of the conflict to the West Bank and now the possibility of a wider regional conflict have isolated Israel internationally. The gains of the Abraham Accords, which saw moderate Arab nations willing to deepen ties with Tel Aviv, have been squandered by the prolonged conflict and callousness towards humanitarian concerns in Palestine. It is time the government listens to its friends. India’s statement in the aftermath of the attacks puts forth the view of many in the global community: “We are seriously concerned at the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran which threatens the peace and security in the region... We call for immediate de-escalation, exercise of restraint, stepping back from violence and return to the path of diplomacy.”