Escalation in Israel: What Comes Next?
Israelis took to shelters, stairwells, and reinforced rooms yesterday as Iran launched a barrage of over 180 ballistic missiles in retaliation for Israel’s actions against Hezbollah. The missiles were largely intercepted, although one casualty – a Palestinian man near Jericho – has been reported. Israel has vowed retaliation.
After nearly a year of fighting, as of Tuesday evening Israel is involved in a regional war. In the wake of the events of the past two weeks between Israel and Hezbollah, Iran has inserted itself into the heart of the conflict…
Israel’s strike on Houthi-controlled Hodeidah in Yemen on Sunday could signal a potential retaliatory strike on Iran, possibly targeting its nuclear or oil facilities. Iran’s economy is heavily dependent on oil and gas exports.
Escalating this confrontation now is a gamble for Iran. With Hamas depleted and Hezbollah in disarray, Iran’s proxies can’t defend it the way they usually would. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei may be betting that Mr. Biden will shrink again from defending the civilized world from a dangerous regime. Will he be right?