Israeli war cabinet has reviewed military plans for a potential response against Iran, an official has said. The cabinet remains determined to act, but it’s not clear if a decision has been made.
Israel has vowed to “exact a price” after the unprecedented large-scale drone and missile attack.
United States (US) President Joe Biden addressed Iran’s attack for the first time publicly Monday, saying he remains focused on Israel’s security, reaching a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal and preventing the conflict from spreading.
Iran’s attack on Israel was “legitimate” and “responsible,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said Monday. Tehran is not seeking to raise tension but will take “proportionate action” to defend itself, he said.
Meanwhile, Israel was set to take its first steps toward a ground offensive on the Gaza city of Rafah but delayed the campaign after Iran’s attack.
Meanwhile Germany, France and Belgium all summoned their Iranian ambassadors on Monday as European nations continue to strongly condemn Iran’s attack on Israel over the weekend.
Belgium opted to summon its Iranian ambassador, Seyed Mohammad Ali Robatjazi, according to a statement from the Belgian foreign ministry. Officials used the visit to convey their “strong condemnation of Iran’s attack on Israel” to the ambassador, the statement added.
Iran’s ambassador was summoned to hear France condemn “with the greatest firmness” Tehran’s attack against Israel, the French foreign ministry said in a statement. In the wake of the attack, Iran now “runs the risk of an escalation in which no one has any interest,” France warned, calling on the regime to “cease immediately” its provocations.
Israel said it was set to take its first steps toward a ground offensive in Rafah this week, but has delayed those plans as it mulls a response to Iran’s attack, two Israeli sources have told CNN.
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