Israel's closest Western allies have for days been pleading with the country's wartime government not to risk triggering a wider war by reacting too strongly to last weekend's barrage of Iranian missiles and drones. And on Wednesday, top diplomats from Germany and Britain delivered that message directly to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem.
However, Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed during the meeting his country's determination not to bow to any external pressure when choosing its response. Before the Cabinet meeting, he declared that Israel would “do whatever it takes to defend itself” and warned allies that “we will make our own decisions,” according to his office.
British Foreign Secretary David Cameron acknowledged shortly before his meeting with the prime minister that Israel was unlikely to heed his partner's pleas to turn the cheek.
“It's clear that Israelis are determined to act,” Prime Minister David Cameron told the BBC. “We want them to do so in a way that is as non-escalating as possible.”
The United States, Britain and Germany have urged Israel to avoid actions that could escalate tensions with Iran. Iran launched around 300 missiles and drones on Saturday night in what is believed to be its first direct attack on Israel. With support from the US, UK, France and Jordan, most missiles and drones were shot down before reaching their targets, and those that survived suffered minimal damage.
In remarks before the cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked Israel's allies for their “support in words and support,” according to his office. But he added: “They also have all kinds of suggestions and advice. I appreciate it, but I want to be clear: we make our own decisions.”
Iran has warned that it will respond strongly to any Israeli aggression, with military commander-in-chief Maj. Gen. Abdulrahim Mousavi saying on Wednesday: “We will respond with more powerful weapons.”
Israel's war cabinet has met several times since the weekend, but there have been no clear decisions on when or how to respond to the attack. Officials are said to be considering a range of options, from direct attacks on Iran to cyberattacks and targeted assassinations, in an effort to send a clear message to Iran without causing major escalation. ing.
“Israel will respond as it sees fit,” an Israeli official said Wednesday, adding there were “multiple ways” to do so. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.
European Council President Charles Michel announced early Thursday that new European sanctions would be imposed on Iran's drone and missile programs as punishment for last weekend's attacks.
“This is a clear signal that we want to send,” Michel said shortly after midnight, emerging from a summit of European Union member states in Brussels. “We need to isolate Iran.” He said details about new sanctions would be announced in the coming days.
Adam Rathgon and Lara Jakes Contributed to the report.