Is Israel preparing to respond to an Iranian missile attack? | Global News

Israel successfully defended an Iranian missile attack with US support last Saturday, utilizing its advanced ballistic missile defense (BMD) system. The conflict between the two eternal rivals is now shifting towards non-state actors, as there is no strategic objective for direct retaliation from Tel Aviv.

The Iranian attack was in response to an Israeli strike on its Damascus consulate annex, resulting in casualties including a senior Quds force commander. The US, Israel, and Jordan were able to prepare for the incoming strike after detecting visible movement of Iranian missiles and drones.

While some Iranian ballistic missiles and drones did reach Israel, they were intercepted by state-of-the-art technology such as Iron Dome, Patriot, and David’s Sling BMDs. Iran lacks an Air Force or Navy to directly challenge Israel’s military superiority, leading Tehran to rely on proxies like Hezbollah, Houthis, and Hamas to attack Israel.

Israel, on the other hand, has multiple platforms to deliver force to Tehran, with no credible missile defense in Iranian airspace. However, a full-fledged Israel-Iran war could lead to a destabilizing upheaval in the Middle East, prompting both sides to use proxies to maintain regional instability.

As the first round of the Israel-Iran war seems to have concluded, the focus now shifts to how both sides will continue to engage through non-state actors. The world watches closely as the delicate balance of power in the region remains at stake.