After Iran’s rocket attack on Israel, the situation in the Middle East is more tense than it has been for years. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not want to leave the attack unanswered. Six questions and answers about the escalation in the Middle East.
If Israel attacks Iran now, is there a risk of a regional war?
It depends primarily on whether and how Israel reacts to the attack. After the rocket attack in April, Israel’s response was mainly to attack Iranian positions in Syria. There is a great danger that Israel’s air force will now directly attack Iranian territory, such as nuclear facilities or oil ports. Iran certainly wouldn’t just accept that.
What can be expected from Iran if Israel actually attacks Iranian territory?
Apparently Iran is not interested in escalation, otherwise the government in Tehran would not have warned the USA. In addition, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called his counterparts in several European countries yesterday. He said the missile operation was now complete. “But if the Zionist regime takes retaliatory measures, our response will be harsher,” said the minister.
How is the global community reacting to the Iranian attack?
She is extremely alarmed. US security advisor Jake Sullivan spoke of a “significant escalation”. President Joe Biden had ordered US forces in the region to support Israel’s defense. Declarations of solidarity also came from France, Great Britain, Germany, Japan and even Australia. The UN Security Council was also called for a special meeting yesterday afternoon.
How well positioned are the air forces in the two countries?
Iran’s air force is considered outdated. Their modernization is stalling due to international sanctions. Many aircraft and helicopters date from before the Islamic Revolution in 1979. Israel’s military strength exceeds that of Iran in many areas. The air force is considered one of the most modern in the world, with advanced fighter jets and drone technology. Thanks to its close military partnership with the USA, Israel has access to the most modern weapons systems. It is also considered certain that Israel has nuclear weapons, although it has never been officially admitted.
What is the situation between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon?
Here the mutual attacks continue unabated. The Israeli army continued to increase its ground units in Lebanon. Infantry and tank troops are now also being deployed. Israel had previously announced that commando and paratroop units had only advanced a few kilometers across the border as part of the ground offensive in Lebanon. Yesterday Hezbollah also reported that it was fighting directly with Israeli soldiers on both sides of the border. The Israeli Air Force announced early yesterday that attacks had been carried out in the south of the capital Beirut. The population was asked to leave the area. The southern suburbs of Beirut are considered a stronghold of the Hezbollah militia.
What is the current situation in the Gaza Strip?
Israel has long been in a multi-front battle. Almost a year after the start of the Gaza war, the fighting appears to be shifting to the country’s northern border, but Israel is continuing the war with Hamas in Gaza. At least 60 people have died in an airstrike on a school, according to Palestinian medics. According to the local radio station “Voice of Palestine”, Israeli tanks also attacked several areas in the east and center of Khan Yunis in the south of the coastal strip and then partially withdrew.
