Attacks on Israel Largely 'Performative,' Says Former Senior U.S. Official
By
Laurence Norman
Iran's attacks on Israel appear to have been performative, said Michael Singh, a former senior director for Middle East affairs at the U.S. National Security Council. This was "a slow-moving, thoroughly telegraphed, and ultimately unsuccessful retaliation," he said.
Israel said it expects further waves as part of the attack. "The event has yet to end," Israel military spokesman Daniel Hagari said. Israel said it had intercepted dozens of surface-to-surface missiles, though some had reached Israeli soil. Dozens of drones were also intercepted, Israel said.
Singh, who is now at the Washington Institute, said the attack "showcased Iran’s reluctance for direct confrontation with Israel, and...highlighted Israel’s close military cooperation with Arab and international partners."
"The question now is whether Israel will pull its punch in return so as to allow Iran’s apparent failure to linger, or whether it will feel sharper retaliation is needed," he said.
"The Biden Administration is undoubtedly pushing for the former in hopes that they can count this crisis averted," Singh said.