US, Israel brace for Iran retaliatory strikes
An Iranian attack on Israel is believed to be imminent
What happened
The top U.S. commander for the Middle East, Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, traveled to Israel on Thursday to coordinate Israel's defense against an expected attack from Iran as soon as this weekend. Tehran has vowed to punish Israel for an April 1 strike in Syria that killed senior Iranian commanders.
Who said what
"We have determined a simple rule: Whoever harms us, we will harm them," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday. Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said Wednesday that by attacking Tehran's Damascus consulate, "the evil regime made a mistake and must be punished and it shall be." President Joe Biden reiterated America's "ironclad" commitment to "Israel's security against these threats from Iran and its proxies." German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called for "all actors in the region" to "exercise maximum restraint" and avoid "further regional escalation."
The commentary
The Pentagon was "frustrated that Israel did not notify the United States" before the Damascus attack, given "the strike's implications for U.S. troops and interests in the region," The Washington Post said. The U.S. now assesses that Iran is "calibrating" its "major retaliatory strike" to "send a message — but not spark a regional war that compels Washington to respond," Politico said.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
What next?
Iran's Revolutionary Guard has presented Israel "strike plans" to Khamenei, but "he is still weighing the political risk," an adviser to the paramilitary group told The Wall Street Journal.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
Red Speedo: a 'darkly comic' doping drama
The Week Recommends Lucas Hnath's play stars Finn Cole as a 'reptilian' swimmer determined to win at all costs
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published
-
One Aldwych: where London's creative spirit takes centre stage
The Week Recommends This five-star Covent Garden hotel is the epitome of elegant independence
By Julia O'Driscoll, The Week UK Published
-
Charlotte Dujardin and equestrianism's dark side
In the Spotlight Olympic gold medallist and dressage star's suspension over horse whipping brings abuse in horse sports back into the spotlight
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
ICJ ruling: will 'damning verdict' stop Netanyahu?
Talking Point The UN's top court has ruled Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories breaks international law
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Israel intercepts Houthi rocket after Yemen strike
Speed Read Just hours after its deadly strike on Houthi rebels, Israel said it shot down a Yemen missile
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Iran: does Masoud Pezeshkian's election mark a turning point?
Talking Point New president is seen as a progressive but much will depend on how the US reacts
By The Week UK Published
-
Menendez convicted of bribery, fraud, and extortion
Speed Read The New Jersey Democratic Senator was found guilty in a federal corruption trial
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Trump security boosted weeks ago due to 'Iran plot'
Speed Read The recent shooting at a Pennsylvania rally is not believed to be connected
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Venezuela election: first vote in a decade offers hope to poverty-stricken nation
The Explainer Nicolás Maduro agreed to 'free and fair' vote but poor polling and threat of prosecution pushes disputed leader to desperate methods
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Florida judge dismisses Trump documents case
Speed Read Judge Aileen Cannon ruled that special counsel Jack Smith was improperly appointed
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
How could J.D. Vance impact the special relationship?
Today's Big Question Trump's hawkish pick for VP said UK is the first 'truly Islamist country' with a nuclear weapon
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published