Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on the 17th that Israel "reserves the right to self-defense" against the Iranian attack. Israeli media quoted multiple sources as saying that the Israeli army has decided how to counter Iran and its proxies, but has not yet set a specific time. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps has begun withdrawing its personnel in Syria in anticipation of a possible Israeli counterattack. On the other hand, the US White House revealed that new sanctions will be imposed on Iran in the coming days to punish Iran for air strikes against Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister: "Reserve the right to self-defense" to fight back at Iran
Israel's wartime cabinet held its third meeting on the 17th on how to respond to Iran's attack. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he has spoken and met with leaders and officials of many countries in recent days, and he thanked allies for their support for Israel and appreciated their suggestions and opinions, but he said that Israel "reserves the right to self-defense" and will take all necessary measures to defend itself.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
I am grateful for the various proposals and opinions that have been put forward by their world leaders, but I would like to make it clear that we will make our own decisions and that the State of Israel will take all necessary actions in self-defence.
Israeli media quoted multiple sources on the same day as reporting that the Israeli army has decided how to counterattack Iran and its proxies, but has not yet set a specific time. Options include a direct strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, or a strike at Iranian drones or missile facilities involved in attacks on Israel, or possibly limited assassinations of specific Iranian officials.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps has reportedly begun withdrawing its personnel from Syria
According to the Wall Street Journal, citing Syrian and Iranian officials, a large number of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps personnel have begun to withdraw from Syrian facilities in response to a possible Israeli attack on Iranian facilities and personnel in Syria, among which the Revolutionary Guards and Lebanese Allah have reduced their senior officers in Syria, while mid-level officers have left their original positions in Syria.
The report also pointed out that in addition to the Iranian navy starting to escort Iranian merchant ships in the Red Sea, Iran's air defense forces are also preparing to defend against Israeli attacks.
The White House is expected to impose new sanctions on Iranian oil and weapons this week
U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in a statement on the 16th that the Biden administration will impose sanctions on Iran's missile and drone programs, and these new sanctions will continue to put pressure on the Iranian regime to contain and weaken Iran's military capabilities and the effectiveness of military operations. While Sullivan did not specify the details of the sanctions, U.S. Treasury officials revealed that the Biden administration is considering how to cut off Iran's access to weapons components, such as drones.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen revealed at the spring annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank on the 16th that the Biden administration is also considering ways to further restrict Iran's oil exports to reduce the main source of revenue for the Iranian government.
This week, G7 finance ministers will continue to discuss how to coordinate sanctions against Iran. The leaders, particularly those of France and Italy, were inclined to urge Israel to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation in the Middle East, but at the same time argued that sanctions against Iran should be strengthened, especially against companies that make drones and missiles.
U.S. and European leaders hope that the new sanctions will help persuade Israel to exercise restraint. However, some analysts believe that in order not to excessively stimulate the rise in oil prices, the sanctions against Iran cannot be too severe.
The New York Times reported that the United States will also discuss with China and other countries whether it needs to stop supplying Iran with weapons and technology that could destabilize the region. The U.S. State Department said on the 17th that it hopes China will continue to exert influence over Iran.
Source: Phoenix Satellite TV Information Channel
Editor: Mu Mu