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Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/04/19/israel-iran-retaliate-diplomacy/
Why Israel Didn't Clobber Iran
(Washington Post) David Ignatius - Israeli deterrence is usually about massive use of offensive military force, but this time was different. When Iran launched a missile and drone barrage last weekend, the reported destruction of 99% of Iran's incoming munitions by Israel and its allies was an astonishing display of missile defense. When the Israeli response came early Friday, it was muted, sending a message that it can penetrate Iranian air defenses and hit strategic targets when it chooses. Israel wanted the last word in this exchange, and it seems to have succeeded. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Friday, after talks with officials in Tehran, that "Iran does not want an escalation." Israel is behaving like the leader of a regional coalition against Iran. In its measured response, it appeared to be weighing the interests of its allies in this coalition - Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Jordan - which all provided quiet help. It's playing the long game. Israel has allies. That's the new shape of the Middle East. After absorbing Iran's missile assault so deftly, Israel is seen at once as a victim of attack and a master of high-tech defense.