Minister Benny Gantz said the confrontation between Israel and Iran is not over, after Tehran announced the completion of its retaliation campaign against Tel Aviv.
"Iran is a global problem, a regional challenge and a threat to Israel. The world stood with us yesterday to face this threat," Israeli wartime cabinet minister Benny Gantz said on April 14. "This is a strategic achievement and Tel Aviv must take advantage of this to strengthen its national security."
On the evening of April 13, Iran launched more than 300 missiles and drones into Israeli territory, in response to the attack on its consulate in Syria on April 1 that killed 7 officials of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claims to have intercepted 99 percent of the projectiles launched by Israel with the help of the US and its allies. A French source said Paris helped detect UAVs and missiles flying towards Israel. The British Prime Minister confirmed that British aircraft had shot down a number of UAVs.
Mr. Benny Gantz in a photo posted on October 26, 2023. Photo: X/Benny Gantz
Hours after the attack, Iran's mission to the United Nations said Tehran had ended its retaliation against Israel. "This matter can be considered closed. However, if the Israeli government commits another mistake, Iran's response will be much harsher," the agency wrote on social network X.
Meanwhile, Mr. Gantz affirmed that "this event is not over". "We will build a regional coalition and make Iran pay, in the right way and at the right time", the Israeli official said, adding that Tel Aviv will become "more united and stronger" in the face of external threats.
He also mentioned the situation in the Gaza Strip, saying that Israel still needs to focus on the goal of repatriating hostages being held by Hamas and ensuring security on the southern and northern borders so that evacuated people can return.
Mr. Gantz has great influence in the Israeli government as one of three members of the wartime cabinet, along with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. This is a committee established during the war in Israel to coordinate combat operations effectively.
According to Israeli media, Mr. Gantz's statement shows that this official does not support an immediate response to Iran. US media also revealed that President Joe Biden opposes Israel's military retaliation against Iran and will not support Tel Aviv if it launches a campaign against Tehran, because he does not want tensions in the region to continue to increase.
Experts say Iran carried out the attack in a restrained manner to avoid escalating the conflict while still ensuring deterrence against Israel.
Pham Giang (According to ToI, CNN, AFP )
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