The Israeli ambassador to the UK, Tzipi Hotovely, recently spoke with the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg about the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. Following Iran’s recent attacks on Israel with almost 200 ballistic missiles, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Tehran will face severe consequences. The Israeli Foreign Minister also stated that Iran has crossed a “red line” with their recent actions.
Hotovely emphasized that Israel is committed to removing the threat posed by Iran, especially after the recent attacks targeting Israeli civilians. She highlighted the need to dismantle this threat and protect Israeli citizens from further missile attacks. When asked about the possibility of striking Iran’s nuclear facilities, Hotovely reiterated Israel’s determination to eliminate the threat first and foremost.
On the other hand, Professor Mohammad Marandi from the University of Tehran claimed that Iran’s missile attacks were a significant blow to Israel and warned of even harsher retaliation if Israel strikes back. He expressed confidence in Iran’s ability to defend itself and stated that Israel would ultimately lose in an all-out war.
Former British Defence Secretary Grant Shapps also weighed in on the situation, stating that Israel is likely to respond to Iran’s aggression, given the ongoing threats from various Iranian-backed groups in the region. He highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to address the broader challenges posed by Iran and its proxies.
The escalating tensions between Israel and Iran have raised concerns about the potential for further conflict in the region. As both sides continue to exchange threats and warnings, the international community is closely monitoring the situation and calling for diplomatic solutions to prevent a full-scale war. The stakes are high, and the consequences of military escalation could have far-reaching implications for the entire region.