The tensions in the Middle East have become a matter of concern for the international community. In particular, the rising tension between Iran and Israel is recognized as an indicator of the weak stability and deep rivalry in the region. This has not only regional but also global implications. Hence, there is a need to find a swift and effective diplomatic solution to prevent escalation and restore stability in the region.
The Iran-Israel escalation has also raised concerns among European countries and prompted calls for de-escalation from various quarters, including the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. On 14 April 2024, in what has gone down in history as Iran’s “first direct attack” on Israel, some 300 drones and missiles were launched towards Israeli territory. [1] Despite the large volume of projectiles, the majority were intercepted by Israel’s advanced defense systems.
On April 1, 2024, in retaliation for the bombing in Damascus that killed seven Iranian citizens, including two generals, the attack was carried out with a barrage of 185 drones, 120 ballistic missiles and 30 cruise missiles.[2] Despite the impressive interception rate, some missiles managed to penetrate Israeli defenses, causing minor damage to an Israeli airbase in the south. The attack, launched from Iranian territory and some of its bases in Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen, highlighted the complexity of Middle East geopolitics.
EU Commission President von der Leyen immediately condemned the attack, calling it “blatant and unjustified”. In his statement, von der Leyen called on Iran and its proxies to cease further aggression and called on all parties concerned to work for the restoration of stability in the region.[3] This condemnation underlines the seriousness of the situation and underscores the need for diplomatic efforts to prevent escalation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized unity in the face of adversity, saying,“We stopped it. We prevented it. Together we will win.” This emphasis on unity was echoed by US President Joe Biden, who expressed strong US support for Israel’s security and warned against hasty retaliatory actions.[4] Biden’s warning against rash acts of retaliation is noteworthy. Because it is very important for the parties to act with composure in order to prevent the conflict from worsening. This can be considered as a step towards a peaceful and diplomatic resolution of the conflict.
In a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Joe Biden reiterated his country’s commitment to Israel’s security but made it clear that the US will not participate in offensive operations against Iran. Biden described the outcome of the strikes as a “win” for Israel and emphasized the country’s capacity to defend against such unprecedented attacks.
According to US assessments, the intercepted drones and missiles included more than 100 ballistic missiles, while none of the incoming cruise missiles caused significant damage. While no direct injuries were reported as a result of Iranian strikes, there was collateral damage, including a 7-year-old girl seriously injured by shrapnel from an Israeli interceptor missile.[5] The US decision not to engage in military operations against Iran may be aimed at avoiding a direct confrontation that could increase tensions in the region. Instead, the US is expected to focus on efforts to stabilize the region through diplomatic and political means.
This incident points to a dangerous escalation. Iranian officials have warned of an even stronger retaliation if Israel responds to the weekend’s attacks. The Iranian Ambassador to the United Nations issued a statement saying that Iran was ready to take further steps if necessary.[6]
The repercussions of the attack went beyond the immediate military confrontation. Israel took precautionary measures in response to the attack, including opening public shelters in the city of Haifa and banning large gatherings. Israel also responded by temporarily closing its airspace for seven hours, causing significant disruption to air travel. Although Ben-Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv resumed operations, the temporary halt in air traffic also affected neighboring countries such as Lebanon and Jordan, further highlighting the regional impact of the conflict. The fact that neighboring countries are also affected by such incidents may increase the potential for regional tensions to spread. Therefore, efforts by the parties in the region to avoid a wider conflict and focus on diplomatic solutions are crucial. The international community also needs to mediate in this process and encourage the parties to find a peaceful solution.
In the face of escalating tensions, the United Nations Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting to discuss the situation. Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, called for condemnation of the attack and the designation of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards as a “terrorist organization”. Erdan emphasized the seriousness of the threat posed by Iran’s actions and called on the Security Council to take decisive action to address the situation.[7] Emerging situations underscore the complexity and instability of the region, where long-standing tensions and rivalries continue to fuel conflict. The international community faces the urgent task of preventing further escalation and finding diplomatic solutions to the underlying disputes between Iran and Israel.
Iran’s retaliatory attack against Israel is a significant threat to regional stability. Such direct attacks could deepen conflicts in the region and increase the risk of a wider conflict. Iran’s stated intention to respond to this attack shows the dangerous dimensions of the escalating tensions. The international community needs to take a more active role to prevent such escalation and find peaceful solutions. The collective response of the international community will be critical to navigate the delicate balance of power and promote lasting peace in the region.
Western leaders have condemned the attack, warning Iran against further aggression and voicing their support for Israel. However, they emphasized the need to avoid military retaliation and focus on diplomatic solutions. In particular, the US decision not to participate in military operations while maintaining its support for Israel is aimed at avoiding a direct confrontation and ensuring stability in the region.
The precautionary measures taken by Israel and the temporary suspension of air traffic in the region indicate that the conflict has the potential to spread regionally. Therefore, the parties’ efforts to avoid a wider conflict and focus on diplomatic solutions are crucial.
In conclusion, Iran’s retaliation against Israel has increased tensions in the region and attracted the attention of the international community. The international community needs to intervene more effectively to prevent such conflicts and stabilize the region. Seeking diplomatic solutions and encouraging dialogue between the parties can prevent further escalation of the conflict and pave the way for a peaceful resolution.
[1] “European Commission condemns Iranian attack and calls for restraint”, The Brussels Times, https://www.brusselstimes.com/world-all-news/1005323/european-commission-condemns-iranian-attack-and-calls-for-restraint, (Date of Access: 14.04.2024).
[2] “Iran’s air attack against Israel failed, 99% of drones and missiles intercepted”, The Brussels Times, https://www.brusselstimes.com/world/1005269/irans-air-attack-against-israel-failed-99-of-drones-and-missiles-were-intercepted, (Date of Access: 14.04.2024).
[3] Ibid.
[4] Ibid..
[5] “European leaders condemn Iran’s revenge attack on Israel”, Politico, https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-leaders-condemn-irans-revenge-attack-on-israel/, (Date of Access: 14.04.2024).
[6] “Iran launches unprecedented retaliatory strikes on Israel in major escalation of widening conflict”, CNN World, https://edition.cnn.com/2024/04/13/middleeast/iran-drones-attack-israel-intl-latam/index.html, (Date of Access: 14.04.2024).
[7] Ibid..
