A new, dark page is being written in the Middle East. In the early hours of Friday, the world woke up to the news that Israel had proceeded with preemptive airstrike against Iranian military and nuclear facilities – a step that is estimated to bring the planet one step closer to a generalized war.
The Israeli government, through Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, spoke clearly:
"This operation is aimed at stopping Iran's path to acquiring nuclear weapons. It is a matter of survival for Israel."
According to the first official announcements, dozens of Israeli Air Force warplanes participated in the coordinated operation, striking nuclear targets and military installations in different places within Iran.
The absence of the US – and Washington's cold message
The United States' response was clearly detachedUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated clearly:
"The United States did not participate in the strikes. Israel acted unilaterally, and we prioritize the protection of American forces in the region."
This stance is surprising. Especially considering that the two countries have had a nearly unbreakable military alliance for decades. But the recent U.S. outreach to Tehran – in an effort to revive the nuclear deal – appears to have caused cracks in the relationship with Israel.
There are not a few who see the Israeli attack as a a clear reaction to the possibility of a deal between the US and Iran, which – according to information – would include concessions that Tel Aviv considers unacceptable.
A warning sign… that might become a fire
Iran has not yet responded militarily – but that is considered a matter of hours. Israel, sensing the impending danger, has already declared a state of emergency. Citizens have been warned to be on high alert for possible missile and drone attacks.
For their part, the United States has already ordered the evacuation of military families and non-essential personnel from regions of the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe – areas within range of Iranian missiles.
What came before – Iran under the UN microscope
Israel's preemptive strike came just days after the damning report by the International Atomic Energy Agency, which – for the first time in 20 years – found that Iran does not comply with its obligations to control its nuclear program.
Tel Aviv believes that Tehran is closer than ever to building a nuclear weapon – something that for Israel is a red line.
"When it comes to the survival of our nation, we do not have the luxury of waiting for the global community. We must act first," Netanyahu stated characteristically.
What is humanity afraid of?
The global community is watching with bated breath. Because one mistake, one overreaction, one risky move – it could trigger chain reactionsThe specter of a generalized war in the Middle East, with the participation of superpowers and the possible activation of nuclear weapons, is no longer a science fiction scenario.
The world, once again, is holding his breath.
