What's happened
Tensions escalate as Israel prepares to retaliate against Iran following a missile attack that targeted civilian areas. Israeli officials indicate a more aggressive response is likely, while Iran warns of severe consequences. The situation marks a significant shift in the regional conflict dynamics.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, Israel is contemplating a direct strike on Iran, with officials stating, "Israel should respond in force to Iran’s attack." Meanwhile, BBC News highlights the precarious situation, noting that Iran's President warned of "crushing attacks" if Israel retaliates. Politico adds that the Israeli government is determined to act decisively, with Netanyahu asserting, "Those who strike at us, we will strike at them." This reflects a consensus in Israel for a more robust military response, contrasting with previous restraint urged by allies.
How we got here
The conflict intensified after Israel's airstrikes killed key Hezbollah and Iranian leaders, prompting Iran to launch missiles at Israel. This marks a critical moment in the long-standing hostilities between Israel and Iran, with both sides poised for further escalation.
More on these topics
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
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Iran, also called Persia, and officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered to the northwest by Armenia and Azerbaijan, to the north by the Caspian Sea, to the northeast by Turkmenistan, to the east by Afghanistan a
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Hezbollah is a Shia Islamist political party and militant group based in Lebanon. Hezbollah's paramilitary wing is the Jihad Council, and its political wing is the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc party in the Lebanese parliament.
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Hassan Nasrallah is the third and current Secretary General of the Lebanese political and paramilitary party Hezbollah since his predecessor, Abbas al-Musawi, was assassinated by the Israel Defense Forces in February 1992.
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.