In response to Iran's recent missile and drone attack, Israel's top general has confirmed that the country will retaliate. Lt Gen Herzi Halevi, Israel Defense Forces chief of staff, stated that the launch of numerous missiles and drones into Israeli territory will not go unanswered. The attack, which involved over 300 missiles and drones, has raised concerns about the possibility of a full-scale regional war.

While the exact form of Israel's response remains unclear, US officials have stated that some form of counterstrike is almost inevitable. However, the Biden administration hopes that any response will be limited and will not target Iranian territory. Israel's war cabinet has held several meetings to discuss how to navigate the delicate balance between escalation and deterrence.

Israel's Channel N12 News has reported that a range of options were discussed during the lengthy cabinet meeting, with the aim of demonstrating to Iran that their actions have crossed a red line without triggering a larger conflict. It is reported that Israel plans to coordinate with the US on its response, although the Biden administration has made it clear that it will not participate or support any Israeli counterattack.

The Israeli military claims to have successfully intercepted 99% of the drones and missiles launched by Iran. However, it has been revealed that many of the Iranian munitions either failed to launch or fell far short of their targets. Only four Iranian missiles struck the Nevatim air force base, causing minor damage.

The Biden administration remains hopeful that any counterstrike by Israel will not involve physical targets on Iranian soil. There are suggestions of a large-scale cyber-attack, targeting Iranian proxies or military installations in third-party countries like Lebanon, Syria, or Iraq. Another possibility is a covert attack carried out by Israeli special forces or intelligence, which would not be publicly acknowledged but would be widely known.

The potential for a full-scale war looms as Tehran has threatened to escalate further. Past incidents such as assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists and bombings at military sites have been attributed to Israel. However, an overt attack on Iranian military sites or infrastructure would likely be viewed differently and could result in a more dangerous escalation.

The Biden administration has reached out to Israel's Arab neighbors to reassure them of its position, urging Israel not to respond to the Iranian attack. France, whose aircraft were involved in intercepting Iranian munitions, has also called for Israeli restraint and emphasized the need to avoid escalation. They have expressed a willingness to support Israel's defense but are opposed to any counterattack on Iranian territory.

As the situation unfolds, the international community is emphasizing the importance of isolating Iran diplomatically, increasing sanctions, and applying pressure to halt its nuclear activities. The casualty count and extent of damage caused by any direct Israeli retaliation will likely determine Iran's next move.

Israel is now faced with the challenge of responding to Iran's aggression while balancing the risk of escalating tensions in a volatile region. The world watches closely, hoping that diplomacy and calculated responses will prevail over the brink of all-out war.