How Israel Could Retaliate for Iran’s Attack: Expert Insights on the Aftermath | DW News

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03/10/2024

In the wake of Tuesday’s massive Iranian missile attack on Israel, many are anxiously awaiting Israel’s next move. Over 180 ballistic missiles were launched at Israeli targets, testing the limits of Israel’s sophisticated air defense systems. While Israel’s Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow systems successfully intercepted most of the missiles, damage was still reported—most notably to a school and airbases, though fortunately, no casualties were recorded. However, in the West Bank, Palestinian authorities confirmed the death of a civilian.

How Israel Could Retaliate for Iran's Attack: Expert Insights on the Aftermath | DW News

This article delves into expert analysis from top defense and Middle East specialists, exploring how Israel might retaliate against Iran’s unprecedented assault. Join us as we dive into the strategic insights provided by Shaan Shaikh from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Dalia Dassa Kaye of UCLA’s Burkle Center for International Relations, and David Daoud from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

✅ Main Content of the Video: How Israel Might Respond to Iran’s Missile Attack

Curious about how Israel could strike back after Iran’s massive missile attack? In this video, we break down expert insights on Israel’s possible military responses, from targeted strikes on Iranian infrastructure to potential action against Hezbollah. With over 180 missiles launched at Israel, the stakes are higher than ever. Will Israel retaliate? Could this escalate into a broader regional conflict? Watch now for a deep dive into what might come next in this high-stakes showdown. Stay informed and ahead of the news with DW!

✅✅ What Was the Extent of the Missile Attack?

The Iranian missile barrage was one of the largest attacks Israel has faced, with more than 180 missiles fired, forcing Israel to deploy all elements of its air defense systems. Israel’s air defense, including the famed Iron Dome and the longer-range Arrow interceptors, performed remarkably well. According to Shaan Shaikh, the attack was met with a robust defense, leading to minimal casualties and limited infrastructure damage. Despite the sheer number of missiles, Iran’s efforts seemed largely unsuccessful in terms of causing significant destruction.

✅✅ Iran’s Missile Capability: How Serious Is the Threat?

While this missile strike did not result in widespread devastation, experts warn against underestimating Iran’s missile arsenal. Iran possesses hundreds, if not thousands, of ballistic missiles, and this attack may have been just a warning. According to Shaikh, Iran has a history of acquiring missile technology from North Korea and has since developed and refined its own missile capabilities. Some of the missiles used in this attack were advanced models like the Imod and Emad Shaker, which represent further advancements in Iran’s missile development.

Interestingly, Iranian state media claimed that a new “hypersonic” missile, the Fattah-2, was part of this attack. However, Shaikh clarified that while the term “hypersonic” is often used for marketing, these missiles do not fit the technical definition, as true hypersonic missiles are maneuverable and more complex than ballistic missiles.

✅✅ Israel’s Potential Response: What Are the Options?

Following Iran’s provocation, the world is now waiting for Israel’s retaliation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed that Iran will face severe consequences for what he called a “big mistake.” Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett echoed this sentiment, advocating for a decisive military strike to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program and its energy infrastructure.

David Daoud, a Lebanon and Hezbollah expert, suggests that Israel has a variety of options at its disposal, ranging from targeted military strikes on Iranian infrastructure to broader actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon. The nature of Israel’s response will depend on several factors, including pressure from international allies like the United States. President Joe Biden has publicly stated his opposition to any Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, hoping to prevent further escalation.

✅✅ Could This Escalate into a Regional Conflict?

The international community is deeply concerned about the potential for a wider war involving Iran, Israel, Hezbollah, and other regional actors. At an emergency UN Security Council session, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an end to the “sickening cycle” of violence in the Middle East. Guterres emphasized that continued escalation risks plunging the entire region into chaos, with devastating consequences for civilians.

Despite these concerns, Israel may feel compelled to act. Dalia Dassa Kaye notes that Israel’s security doctrine has shifted since the October 7th Hamas attacks, which inflicted significant casualties. Now, Israeli leadership across the political spectrum appears more willing to take bold, offensive actions to secure their borders and eliminate perceived threats.

✅✅ Israel’s New Security Strategy: What’s Next?

Kaye points out that Israel’s military strategy is undergoing a transformation. Rather than managing threats on its borders, Israel is increasingly seeking to “decisively” neutralize its adversaries. This more aggressive stance has led to heightened tensions on multiple fronts, including Gaza, Lebanon, and now Iran. However, with its forces stretched across multiple theaters, Israel may face challenges in sustaining such a broad military campaign without significant international support.

In conclusion, while Israel’s air defense systems passed a critical test during the Iranian missile attack, the coming days will reveal whether Israel opts for a restrained or more expansive response. The stakes are high, and the potential for further conflict looms large.

For more in-depth analysis and updates on this evolving situation, watch the full discussion with experts on DW News.

✅ Here are 10 frequently asked questions (FAQs) about how Israel might respond to Iran’s missile attack:

✅✅ What was the nature of the Iranian missile attack on Israel?

The attack involved over 180 ballistic missiles targeting Israeli cities and military installations, prompting a significant response from Israel’s air defense systems.

✅✅ How effective was Israel’s air defense during the attack?

Israel deployed its advanced air defense systems, including the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow interceptors, successfully intercepting many missiles and minimizing casualties.

✅✅ What are Israel’s possible military responses to the missile attack?

Israel might retaliate with airstrikes on Iranian military bases, nuclear facilities, or targets linked to Hezbollah and other Iranian proxies in the region.

✅✅ How does international law affect Israel’s response?

Israel has the right to self-defense under international law, but any military action must also consider the potential for civilian casualties and the implications for regional stability.

✅✅ What role does the United States play in Israel’s response?

The U.S. often provides military support and guidance to Israel, and recent statements from U.S. officials suggest a preference for limited retaliatory actions rather than an all-out conflict.

✅✅ Could Israel’s response escalate into a larger regional conflict?

Yes, there is a risk that Israeli retaliation could provoke further military actions from Iran or its allies, potentially leading to a broader conflict in the Middle East.

✅✅ What impact could this situation have on Palestinian territories?

The conflict may lead to increased tensions in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, affecting civilians and possibly prompting further violence.

✅✅ Are there diplomatic avenues being pursued to de-escalate tensions?

While diplomatic efforts are ongoing, there has been significant paralysis at the UN Security Council, making it challenging to reach a consensus on de-escalation.

✅✅ What is the historical context of Israel-Iran tensions?

The tensions stem from Iran’s nuclear ambitions, support for militant groups opposing Israel, and ongoing conflicts in the region, including the Syrian Civil War.

✅✅ How might Israel’s actions influence its relations with neighboring countries?

Israel’s response could either strengthen or strain relationships with neighboring states, depending on the nature of its actions and the subsequent regional reactions.

These questions and answers can help viewers better understand the complexities surrounding Israel’s potential responses to Iranian aggression.