## Israel Vows Response to Iranian Attack, Allies Urge Restraint
Israel's military has vowed to respond to Iran's weekend missile and drone attack on its territory, but has not specified when or how the retaliation will occur. Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, speaking from the Nevatim air force base in southern Israel, which sustained damage in the attack, stated that "the launch of so many missiles, cruise missiles, and drones into Israeli territory will be met with a response."
The attack came in response to a suspected Israeli air strike on Iran's embassy compound in Syria on April 1, which killed seven Iranian Revolutionary Guards officers, including two senior commanders. The incident has heightened fears of open warfare between Israel and Iran, and raised concerns about the potential for wider regional conflict.
International allies have urged restraint on both sides. US President Joe Biden has informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the United States will not participate in any Israeli counter-offensive against Iran. European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, have echoed the call for restraint, as have the United Nations and Russia.
The weekend attack, involving over 300 missiles and drones, caused only minor damage in Israel and resulted in no casualties, according to Israeli officials. Most of the projectiles were intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome defense system, with assistance from the US, Britain, France, and Jordan.
Despite the lack of significant damage, the attack has caused travel disruptions, with several airlines canceling or rerouting flights. European aviation authorities have also advised airlines to exercise caution in Israeli and Iranian airspace.
Israel remains on high alert, but some emergency measures have been lifted, including a ban on school activities and restrictions on large gatherings.
Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has stated that Tehran informed the United States that the attack on Israel would be limited and for self-defense, and that regional neighbors were informed of the planned strikes 72 hours in advance. However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani later clarified that no pre-arranged agreement was made with any country prior to the attack. US officials have confirmed that Tehran did not warn Washington.
The attack has been met with applause in Gaza, where Israel launched a military campaign against Hamas following the Palestinian militant group's deadly attack on Israel. The offensive has resulted in the deaths of over 33,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's health ministry, and has created a humanitarian crisis in the enclave.
White House national security spokesman John Kirby has stated that humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip has increased significantly in recent days, but many Gazans remain displaced and unable to return home.