Netanyahu opts for limited escalation against Iran

• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized Iran’s missile attack on Israel, stating it was a mistake and would result in retaliation.
• The attack, the second direct Iranian attack on Israel this year, sparked strong responses from Israel’s political leadership.
• Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett viewed the attack as an opportunity for Israel to “destroy” the Iranian nuclear programme.
• Israeli Defence Forces carried out three waves of attack inside Iran, targeting at least 20 targets across Tehran, Karaj, Isfahan, and Shiraz.
• The first wave targeted Iranian air defence, while the second and third waves targeted Iran’s ballistic missile and drone manufacturing and storage centres.
• Iran acknowledged the “Israeli aggression” but played down the impact of the attacks.
• The Israeli attack marked an escalation in the regional confrontation, with multiple targets hit and Israel owning up an attack it carried out in Iran.
• The limited nature of Israel’s response, sparing Iran’s critical infrastructure and military facilities, meant the escalation was limited.
• US President Joe Biden’s opposition towards Israel hitting Iran’s nuclear sites and its oil facilities was a significant factor in the Israeli attack.
• The limited strike allows Iran to claim it “successfully thwarted” the attack, but if it decides to retaliate, it could trigger a counterretaliation from Israel, potentially leading to a shooting match in West Asia.