Israel is facing tough decisions on how to respond to the recent Iranian attack, which marked the first direct military confrontation between the two nations. With more than 300 projectiles fired at its territory, Israel's war cabinet is debating the timing and scope of their response, according to Israeli officials familiar with the deliberations.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must carefully balance the demands of his right-wing coalition, which is calling for a strong reaction, with the risk of further international isolation for Israel. The country is already engaged in a six-month war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip and facing various Iran-backed militants in the region.

While Israel has conducted covert operations in Iran in the past, it has never launched a direct military assault on Iranian territory. Analysts suggest that the options available to Israel come with significant consequences, especially as Iran has threatened an even bigger retaliation.

One possible option being considered by Israeli officials is an attack on an Iranian facility that would send a message to Tehran without causing casualties. However, threading that needle will be challenging. Israel's response is further complicated by its informal coalition with the US, UK, France, and Jordan, who helped thwart the recent Iranian attacks. These allies are now discouraging Israel from escalating the conflict.

Furthermore, Israel's domestic political considerations are also at play. Netanyahu, leading the most right-wing coalition in the country's history, must appease hardliners to prevent the collapse of his government. He has faced criticism for his handling of the recent Hamas-led attack and the inability to secure the release of hostages in Gaza.

However, there is debate within Israel about the necessity of further escalation. Some politicians argue that Israel should take advantage of the international support gained after the attack to either strike Iran directly or invade Gaza's Rafah city, Hamas' stronghold. Others caution against a swift response, believing it would isolate Israel further, particularly from Gulf Arab states with whom it seeks to normalize ties.

While Jordan has played a role in protecting Israel from the Iranian attack, it has also voiced concerns and even criticized the Netanyahu government. The country's foreign minister appeared to support Iran's claim that the attack was a response to Israel's bombing of an Iranian diplomatic building in Damascus.

Israel finds itself in a delicate position, torn between international pressure to show restraint and the need to respond to an unprecedented attack. The decisions made in the coming days will not only shape the Israeli-Iranian confrontation but also have broader implications for regional stability and Israel's relationships with its allies.