The “fire” has been lit for good in the Middle East and nothing seems capable of extinguishing it. Iran’s missile attack on Israel is a given that it will not go unpunished at a time when Netanyahu has opened a four-fold front.
Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthi are Israel’s immediate targets. Ground operations in Lebanon continue and the IDF seems determined to reach the end which is nothing less than the extermination of the Lebanese organization. Mission extremely difficult, which hides many traps.
At the same time, Israel’s response to Iran is of great interest, and above all, the manner in which it will come.
Netanyahu is unrestrained
Despite the efforts that have been made all this time by many countries, Benjamin Netanyahu seems determined to “punish” Iran for its attack. “He will pay a heavy price” was his clear statement.
At the same time, he continues the attacks on all fronts with great determination. The Israel Defense Forces have three open fronts and it remains to be seen what the final option will be for the attack – response to Iran.
The Biden intervention
US President Joe Biden said today that “discussions” are underway about possible Israeli strikes on Iranian oil facilities, following Iran’s ballistic missile attack on Israeli soil on Tuesday.
To the question “Do you agree with Israeli strikes on Iran’s oil infrastructure?” the American president replied: “We are discussing this matter. I believe it would be a little…” without finishing his sentence.
Immediately after Biden’s statement, the price of oil rose sharply. At around 17:50 (Greece time), US WTI crude reached $73.12 a barrel (+4.34%), while North Sea Brent was up 3.95%, reaching $76.81 a barrel.
The data on Israel’s response
With the help of US satellite intelligence and Mossad (Israel’s overseas spy agency) human agents on Iranian soil, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have a wide range of options, according to the BBC.
- Conventional military forces: A first target will be the bases from which Iran launched these ballistic missiles. So that means launch pads, command and control centers, supply tanks and storage depots. It could go further and hit IRGC-owned bases, as well as air defenses and other missile arrays. He may even try to assassinate key people involved in Iran’s ballistic missile program.
- The economy: An economic attack would include targets such as Iran’s most vulnerable assets, namely its petrochemical plants, energy facilities and possibly its shipping interests. Such a move, however, would further damage Israel’s popularity as it would affect the lives of civilians more than the military forces.
- Nuclear: This is the big issue for Israel. A fact confirmed by the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is that Iran is enriching uranium to levels far higher than the 20% required for energy production. Israel, along with other countries, is concerned that Iran is seeking to reach a “tipping point” where it will be able to build a nuclear bomb in a short period of time.
New harsh message to Hezbollah
Israel will not allow Hezbollah to deploy forces in southern Lebanon again, National Defense General Staff Chief Herchi Halevi said today after three days of ground operations in the region.
“We will not allow Hezbollah to establish itself in these places again”General Halevi said in a video message broadcast by Israeli state television. “Hezbollah’s severe blows (…) in Beirut, the Bekaa Valley and southern Lebanon will continue”he assured.
“Our forces are more ready than ever, having gained experience from the fighting in Gaza”Israel’s chief of the national defense general staff claimed.
Amnesty International and other NGOs are calling for an increase in humanitarian aid
Several non-governmental organizations, including Amnesty International and Doctors of the World, today appealed for a ceasefire and an increase in humanitarian aid to Lebanon, where the situation is “nightmare” for hundreds of people displaced by the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. .
“With more than 1.2 million people on the street – 20% of the population displaced – the crisis has reached alarming proportions,” Jennifer Moorhead, of the NGO Save the Children, said during a conference call also attended by Amnesty International , Oxfam, Doctors of the World, Refugees International and Action contre la Faim (“Action against hunger”).
“The last two days have been an absolute nightmare,” he added. Following the massive aerial bombardment against Hezbollah, the Israeli army has been conducting ground operations in the south of the country since Monday, while continuing its strikes, mainly in Beirut and its suburbs.
NGOs operating in Lebanon describe an “unbearable” situation with entire families sleeping on the street, shelters overwhelmed and hospitals overcrowded, especially in the airstrikes-hit districts.
“The priority now must be an immediate ceasefire”
“867 centers have been opened to accommodate displaced people in public schools, universities, and of these 643 have already reached their maximum capacity,” said Ahmad Sharif of Doctors of the World, based in Beirut.
These organizations call for a cessation of hostilities in order to avoid a worsening of the situation and to respect international humanitarian law. “The most urgent priority now must be an immediate ceasefire,” said Jeremy Conindick, president of Refugees International, accusing Israel of waging an “indiscriminate” attack on Lebanon that “doesn’t just hit Hezbollah” but also the Lebanese, Syrians and the Palestinian refugees, who are many in Lebanon.
He also called on “global donors” to “step up humanitarian aid”, possibly deeming it necessary to open a sea “corridor” to transport aid as during the 2006 war.
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