Israel vs Iran, an escalation the world can do without

India’s look-west policy might have to fathom the new emerging challenges with alacrity.

- LT GEN HARINDER SINGH RETD

Iran has struck in response to Israel’s strike on its consulate in Syria. Normally, Iran is not known to undertake direct military strikes across the Middle East. However, this retaliatory strike against Israel sans its proxies marks a shift in its strategy. It is unclear if Iran did use its proxies or not, but the fact that the Israeli deterrence broke down for a second time in last six months is important. The Iranian strikes might not end up here, as these strikes provide Israel with a strong motive to retaliate and reestablish its deterrence in the Middle East.

As widely reported, Iran targeted multiple military sites across Israel. They used a mix of suicide drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles. These attacks were launched from locations in Iran, Iraq, Yemen and Syria. Israel responded with its fighter aircraft and activated their ultra-modern air defence network to thwart these attacks. The US Air Force responded with its regional assets to intercept the attacks on Israel. Jordan also responded by targeting Iranian missiles and drones flying over its territory.

Apparently, all 185 Kamikaze suicide drones launched by Iran were shot down. Likewise, all 36 cruise missiles fired were brought down. Only seven out of the 110 ballistic missiles fired by Iran were able to pierce through the multi-layered air defence cover. The missiles that went through hit the Israeli air base at Nevatim, but there was no significant damage. In retaliation, Israel targeted a Hezbollah weapons manufacturing facility in Lebanon. Ever since, both sides have been maintaining a cautious stance waiting for either side to miscalculate and then act.

 STRATEGIC OR SYMBOLIC?