A TIME FOR CALM
West tells Israel not to retaliate on Iran but chiefs vow response
BY CHRIS HUGHES Defence & Security Editor and LIZZY BUCHAN Deputy Political Editor
ISRAEL was under pressure to stay calm last night as it vowed to launch a revenge attack on Iran that could spark a huge Middle East conflict.
America and Britain said they do not support an Israeli escalation but reiterated that they will help to defend their ally against further direct attacks from Tehran.
Yesterday Israel’s embattled war cabinet convened a third crisis meeting in 48 hours.
Military chief Lt Gen Herzi Halevi confirmed Iran’s missile and drone strike at the weekend “will be met with a response”. He spoke on a visit to the Nevatim airbase, which Israel says suffered light damage.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has met top officials to discuss the response. Sources say they want to “hit Iran hard” without sparking war, a near-impossible task if they attack within Iran. Meanwhile, Iran warned any Israeli allies that help it retaliate will be targets for proxy forces in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen. That includes countries that offer “refuelling” planes.
It is not known whether RAF refuelling flight tankers assisted Israeli air crews at the weekend.
Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz vowed that his country will “exact the price” on Iran when the timing is right.
A security source told the Mirror: “A tit-for-tat Israeli retaliation in Iran would have catastrophic consequences.
A tit-for-tat Israeli retaliation in Iran would be catastrophic and echo beyond the region SECURITY SOURCE SPEAKING TO THE MIRROR
Iran’s regime would feel it cannot lose face. Israel’s next move will be of enormous significance.
“A war between Iran and Israel would prompt the US helping defend its ally and likely drag the UK into a wider conflict with Iran and it allies.”
Iran’s attack, involving around 300 missiles and drones, was a response to an April 1 Israeli strike on an
Iranian consul building in Syria, killing 13 including two top generals.
But it has been largely viewed as a failure, with all the drones shot down and most of the missiles intercepted.
US President Joe Biden pressed Mr Netanyahu not to overreact, having successfully defended Israel. He told him: “You got a win. Take the win.”
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said
Israel must step back from the brink. He told MPS that Iran had “shown its true colours” by “sowing chaos in their own backyard”. And he said he would press Mr Netanyahu to “show restraint” in a call later yesterday.
He told MPS: “Our aim is to support stability and security because it is right for the region and because it has a direct effect on our security and prosperity at home.”
British Foreign Secretary David Cameron urged
Israel to focus on “getting the hostages home” from Iran-backed Hamas in Gaza. He said: “We don’t support a retaliatory strike.”
Labour leader Keir Starmer told MPS it was a “moment for restraint”.
He condemned Iran, saying: “This is a regime that sponsors terror across the Middle East and beyond, that murders its own people, and supports Putin’s war efforts in Ukraine.”
G7 leaders are discussing diplomatic measures which could include new sanctions for Iran.
British, US, Saudi and Jordanian air crews are on high alert to respond.
And Iran’s Lebanonbased proxy Hezbollah is standing by to step up attacks across Israel’s northern border if Israel invades Rafah, in Gaza.
We don’t support a retaliatory strike. Israel should focus on getting the hostages home
DAVID CAMERON UK’S FOREIGN SECRETARY