Israel is gearing up for a significant response to Iran's recent missile attacks on Oct. 1, with U.N. ambassador Danny Danon vowing a 'very painful' strike to deter future aggression. Danon stressed Israel's autonomy in deciding the nature and timing of the retaliation, disregarding President Biden's call for proportionality.
Following Iran's barrage of around 200 missiles on Tel Aviv, a retaliatory strike has been anticipated, prompting Biden to caution against targeting nuclear or oil facilities and urging restraint to military sites only.
Danon emphasized the need for global action to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, warning of the catastrophic consequences if Iran were to possess such arms.
Since the attacks, Iran has been engaging Israel through proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah, marking the first direct assault from Iran since April.
As tensions escalate, Iran's foreign minister has been rallying support from various Middle Eastern nations, while Biden faces pressure to influence Israel's response to minimize civilian casualties.
Despite international criticism, Danon affirmed Israel's unity in defending its people and nation against threats.
Looking ahead, Danon outlined plans to address the aftermath of defeating Hamas in Gaza and pushing back Hezbollah in Lebanon, emphasizing the importance of supporting Israel for the region's stability.
Israel aims to restore the buffer zone established by U.N. Resolution 1701 between Israel and Hezbollah, urging the Lebanese people to reclaim sovereignty and prevent Iran from using Lebanon as a base against Israel.
Efforts to relocate U.N. peacekeeping forces for their safety amid escalating tensions have faced resistance, with Danon advocating for their relocation to avoid being caught in the crossfire.
Reflecting on the U.N.'s role in the conflict, Danon expressed disappointment in its failure to uphold moral principles and protect victims, questioning its effectiveness in promoting peace and security.
