The world had been waiting with deep anticipation to see how Tehran would respond to the Israeli airstrike on its consulate in Damascus, which killed two Iranian generals and five other soldiers.
Now we know. More than 300 drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles are being launched at Israeli targets from bases in Iran.
It was an unprecedented attack, and not just because of the enormous amount of hardware.
Iran usually hides behind paid proxies to continue its bloody feuds – Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, the Houthi rebels and of course Hamas.
This was the first attack on Israel from its own territory and marks a chilling escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. The question is: can this be contained?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is hardly known for his moderation and officials warned that Iran would “pay the price” for its aggression.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (pictured) is hardly known for his moderation and officials warned Iran would ‘pay the price’ for its aggression
While there is certainly reason for retaliation, now may be a good time to take a breather. This would not be weakness, but common sense.
For the first time in months, Israel has regained the sympathy of the international community.
Following widespread criticism of the death and destruction caused in Gaza, the area is now under attack.
The US has offered “ironclad” support to Israel, as evidenced by US fighter jets – along with British and Jordanian fighters – helping to intercept missiles and drones launched on Saturday.
Thanks to this and Israel’s own highly effective air defenses, the attack caused limited damage and no apparent fatalities.
Tehran has also said its revenge on Damascus is complete (although the ayatollahs are hardly a trustworthy group).
The G7 countries were unequivocal in their condemnation of Iran yesterday and “unwavering” in their commitment to Israel’s right to self-defense.
But they also called for ‘maximum restraint’ from all parties. Separately, President Biden warned that America will not help Israel in an offensive campaign against Iran.
So, with the battle for Gaza still raging, would it really be a good idea for Mr. Netanyahu to wage all-out war on a second front, with the added risk of alienating his allies and mobilizing regional support for Iran? ?
In The Art of War, Chinese soldier/philosopher Sun Tzu argues that victory depends on more than just military might: “He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight,” he writes. Nowhere is that advice more sensible than in today’s boiling cauldron of the Middle East.
Incurious Keir
Sir Keir Starmer’s apparent lack of curiosity about the scandal engulfing his deputy is becoming more unlikely by the day.
Angela Rayner is said to have been registered on the electoral roll for years in the former council house she owned in Vicarage Road, Stockport, while actually living in her husband’s house with their children.
Sir Keir Starmer’s (pictured) apparent lack of curiosity about the scandal engulfing his deputy is becoming more unlikely by the day
Angela Rayner (pictured) was reportedly on the electoral roll of the former council house she owned in Vicarage Road, Stockport for a number of years, while actually living in her husband’s house with their children
If Vicarage Road was not her main asset, she will not only have broken electoral law, but may also have avoided capital gains tax on the £48,500 profit she made on selling it in 2015.
She says ‘expert’ legal advisers cleared her but refuses to publish their advice. Sir Keir says he did not see it, although members of his staff did.
Sir Keir is a former Director of Public Prosecutions. His party’s deputy leader is under police investigation and may have broken the law.
Can we honestly believe that he isn’t interested in taking even a cursory glance at her legal advice? Or does he consciously distance himself from this embarrassing affair?