Iran’s attack on Israel raises fears of a wider war, but all sides have also scored gains

Tel Aviv, Israel – Iran’s extraordinary attack on Israel early Sunday heightened regional tensions, confirming long-held fears that the Israel-Hamas war will escalate into a larger conflagration. However, Iran, Israel, the US, and Hamas all made advances.

Here’s a peek at the aftermath.

As more than 300 drones and missiles approached in the early hours of Sunday, the country was able to effectively test its aerial defense system, which, with assistance from partners, stopped 99% of the projectiles and avoided serious damage.

Iran’s attack on Israel raises fears of a wider war, but all sides have also scored gains

In contrast, when Hamas rushed from Gaza into Israel on October 7, armed forces suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of a significantly less equipped enemy. That dealt a significant blow to Israel’s image as a regional military force, shattering any illusions of invincibility. The response to Iran’s attack could be what restores faith in the country’s military, even though its forces are still trapped in Gaza more than six months after Israel started war on Hamas there.

The country has also boasted about the coalition of forces that helped it resist the Iranian attack. It’s a much-needed display of support at a time when Israel is most isolated due to worries over its actions during the conflict against Hamas, including a deteriorating humanitarian catastrophe and a staggering death toll in Gaza.

Iran repeatedly pledged to respond to a suspected strike on an Iranian diplomatic compound in Damascus on April 1, which killed two generals. Sunday’s assault allowed Iran to demonstrate to its populace that it will not stand by while its assets are targeted and that it meant business when it threatened retaliation.

With its strike, Iran was able to demonstrate its formidable weaponry, induce terror in some Israelis, and disrupt the lives of many through school closures. However, with little actual damage suffered in Israel, Iran may expect a restrained response. Iran announced the operation’s end several hours after the drones and missiles were launched.

Iran’s attack on Israel raises fears of a wider war, but all sides have also scored gains

The United States played a major role in repelling the onslaught, proving to its allies worldwide the strength and dependability of American backing.

Now, as the country considers how and if to respond, that partnership will be tested, the Biden administration will attempt to impose leverage on Israel and prevent it from carrying out a retaliation that could exacerbate the crisis.

Hamas, which Iran sponsors, hailed the attack on the country. Since beginning its October 7 offensive, Hamas had hoped that regional allies would rush to its aid and pull Israel into a larger conflict. While others have intervened, notably the Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and Yemen’s Houthis, Iran did not directly enter the conflict until Sunday.

Iran’s attack on Israel raises fears of a wider war, but all sides have also scored gains

Hamas may believe that the attack is the first step toward greater Iranian involvement in the Gaza conflict. It might also hope that unrest in the West Bank, where a teenager was slain and settlers rampaged through Palestinian towns, continues to escalate. At the absolute least, Iran’s attack may have emboldened Hamas to dig in its heels in current cease-fire discussions, thinking that increased military pressure on them may persuade it to accept the militant group’s tougher criteria for an agreement.

SOURCE – (AP)