Israel Says Readying ‘Imminent’ Attack On Iran As Airlines Cancel Flights To Region

The dangerous reality is that the Israelis see this as an opportunity for an endgame against Iran, at least for a considerable period of time. They knew that the attack on the Iranian embassy would result in retaliation from Iran, but they welcomed it because they are confident they can win and that the West will come to their rescue if need be. As a result, expect a very intense response from Israel—enough to set off the all-out war Israel wants, although at present Israel denies they want a wider war. All of this despite pretty much the entire world wanting it to end with Saturday’s attack, including Russia:

Russia too has called for restraint, but defended Iranian actions as done in self-defense. “We have repeatedly warned that the numerous unresolved crises in the Middle East, primarily in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone, which are often fueled by irresponsible provocative actions, will lead to an increase in tension,” its foreign ministry said.

Unlike the West, Russia firmly condemned the prior Israeli attack on Iran’s sovereign embassy:

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Saturday held phone talks with Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. The Russian Foreign Ministry said Lavrov reiterated “decisive condemnation” of an Israeli strike in Syria this month that killed Iranian generals.

Russia has previously condemned Israel’s conduct in its six-month war in Gaza.

Regional media noted of Moscow’s stance: “Russia noted Tehran’s claim that the attack was made within the right to self-defense after the strike in Damascus, which Moscow condemned.”

Interestingly, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council Dmitry Medvedev said on Telegram that “America does not want a big war in the Middle East” as “The killings in Gaza worsen Biden’s prospects in the elections, and war between Israel and Iran would introduce additional uncertainty.” [Winning the election is the only factor that Biden et al. really care about.]

And Iran will surely respond to another attack by Israel:

As for Tehran, it is warning that in the face of any Israeli assault it will hit back harder. According to BBC Iran correspondent Kasra Naji:

Iran’s IRGC commander: in new equation every time Israel attacks our interests, assets, personalities or citizens, we will hit back from our soil. Israel’s Def Minister: we won’t accept an equation in which Iran responds with a direct attack every time we strike targets in Syria.

Recall that before the Saturday night Iranian attack, Israel’s leadership vowed that a major response would happen if the Islamic Republic directly attacks Israel from its soil. Indeed that’s precisely what Iran did – it launched hundreds of drones and ballistic missiles directly from its territory.

These quotes and the below are from Zero Hedge.

Summary:

• Middle East braces for Israeli ‘retaliation’ attack on Iran after Israel War Cabinet meets
• Israeli Air Force says it has completed ‘preparation’ and that an attack is ‘imminent’
• US officials tell WSJ they believe Israel will launch an anti-Iran operation today
• IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi: Iranian missile and drone attack on Israel “will be met with a response.”
• Netanyahu orders military: draw up a list of targets
• Several major airlines canceling flights to Tel Aviv and whole region.
• State Dept spox: “commitment to Israel’s security is sacrosanct”.
• G7 working on measures against Iran as China, Russia signal weekend attack won’t hurt relations with Tehran
• European allies urge Israel against military response
• Tehran warns that it’s ready to hit back harder.
• IRGC says it is willing to hit back from Iran for any new Israeli escalation, including when it attacks in Syria.
• Iran FM: we warned Washington that response in face of an Israeli attack will be “faster, stronger, and broader” (via AJ).
• US reiterates that it “does not seek conflict with Iran.” …

Meanwhile, from Mondoweiss:

Key Developments 

• Israel kills 46 Palestinians, wounds 110 in the past 24 hours across Gaza, raising the death toll since October 7 to 33,482 and the number of wounded to 76,049, according to the Gaza health ministry.

• Israel considers “determinant” response to Iranian attack that “does not lead to war.”

• UN commissioner for human rights says Israel continues to impose restrictions on aid entry into Gaza.

• Gaza health ministry says remaining power generators could stop working.

• Israeli court rules for expulsion of 35 Palestinians from their homes in Jerusalem.

• World Food Program says humanitarian ceasefire needed to overcome famine in Gaza.

• Israeli settlers kill two Palestinians in the West Bank.