Tuesday, August 6, 2024

‘Don’t push it’: US, allies said urging Israel to limit response to expected Iran attack

Officials in the US-led multinational coalition that is reportedly preparing to assist in repelling an expected Iranian attack have preemptively warned Israel not to respond too strongly to such an assault, according to a Tuesday report.

“Don’t push it,” the unnamed officials told Jerusalem, according to Kan news. “Think carefully before you attack in return. The goal at the end of the day is not to lead to an all-out war.”

In April, a massive drone and missile attack from Iran was foiled by a coalition that reportedly comprised Israel, the United States, Britain, France, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

Kan reported on Monday that Western diplomats believe the same coalition can come together again.

Iran said Monday Israel must be “punished” for Hamas terror group leader Ismail Haniyeh’s assassination in Tehran — allegedly by Israel — and has vowed to take action, raising worries that its response could bring the restive Middle East closer to all-out war.

Iranian proxy terror group Hezbollah has also threatened to hit Israel from Lebanon following the assassination of its military leader Fuad Shukr in a Beirut strike last week. Reports have indicated that the reprisals could be imminent.

The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed US officials, reported that Iran has in recent days been moving missile launchers and carrying out military exercises, in a signal that it may be preparing to carry out an attack in the coming days. READ MORE