Israel Resolves to Act Alone on Retaliation Against Iran Amid Growing Conflict

 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has declared that Israel will make its own decisions regarding any retaliation to Iran's recent missile attacks, while remaining open to advice from the U.S. This statement follows reports that Netanyahu assured U.S. President Joe Biden that Israel would refrain from attacking Iran's nuclear sites or oil fields before the U.S. presidential election.

Earlier this month, Iran launched a barrage of 180 missiles at Israel, triggering an intensification of Israel's military campaign in Lebanon and Gaza. On Tuesday, Israeli airstrikes killed 50 Palestinians in Gaza, as Israeli forces continued to clash with Hamas militants in the northern regions of the territory. Civilians in northern Gaza are facing dire conditions, trapped by ongoing military operations and enduring significant casualties from Israeli attacks. The Israeli military has accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields, a claim the group denies.

In Lebanon, Israeli forces carried out several airstrikes in the eastern Bekaa Valley, reportedly putting a hospital in Baalbek out of service. The strikes followed Netanyahu's vow to target Hezbollah in all parts of Lebanon, including the capital, Beirut. Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have also killed 21 people in a Christian-majority village, with approximately one-quarter of the country now subject to evacuation orders.

The U.S. has expressed rare criticism of Israel's actions, particularly concerning the scope of its bombing campaign in Beirut. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin have warned Israel about potential consequences, including halting U.S. weapons transfers. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has continued launching attacks on Israeli forces, including a drone strike that killed four soldiers in central Israel.

Tensions in the region remain high, with Hezbollah calling for a ceasefire while simultaneously threatening further action if Israel refuses. The war, fought on multiple fronts, risks a broader regional conflict, with both Hezbollah and Iran linking any ceasefire to an end to hostilities in Gaza.

Despite U.S. concerns, Netanyahu’s office emphasized that Israel would prioritize its national interests, stating, "We listen to the opinions of the United States but will make our final decisions based on our national interest."

With more than 1,300 people killed in Lebanon and nearly 700,000 displaced, the conflict has devastated the region. Meanwhile, in Gaza, Israel’s military offensive has killed over 42,000 people, primarily civilians, as per reports from Gaza's health ministry. Amid the escalating violence, international criticism continues to mount, including concerns over the safety of peacekeeping forces and the humanitarian crisis facing civilians.