A TIME FOR CALM

West tells Israel not to retaliate on Iran but chiefs yow response

- CHRIS HUGHES

ISRAEL was under pressure to stay calm last night as it vowed to launch a revenge attack on Iran that could spark a huge Middle East conflict.

America and Britain said they do not support an Israeli escalation but reiterated that they will help to defend their ally against further direct attacks from Tehran.

Yesterday Israel's embattled war cabinet convened a third crisis meeting in 48 hours.

Military chief Lt Gen Herzi Halevi confirmed Iran's missile and drone strike at the weekend "will be met with a response". He spoke on a visit to the Nevatim airbase, which Israel says suffered light damage.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has met top officials to discuss the response. Sources say they want to "hit Iran hard" without sparking war, a near-impossible task if they attack within Iran. Meanwhile, Iran warned any Israeli allies that help it retaliate will be targets for proxy forces in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen. That includes countries that offer "refuelling" planes.

It is not known whether RAF refuelling flight tankers assisted Israeli air crews at the weekend.

Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz vowed that his country will "exact the price" on Iran when the timing is right.

A British security source told the Mirror: "A tit-for-tat Israeli retaliation in Iran would have catastrophic consequences.

Iran's regime would feel it cannot lose face. Israel's next move will be of enormous significance.