Amid escalating tensions following recent events, an Israeli response targeting Iran could “open the Pandora’s box to a broader conflict” in the Middle East, warns Dr. Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa program at Chatham House.
In an interview with Sky News, Dr. Vakil emphasized that the decision to retaliate now rests with Israel. She suggests that Israeli officials must carefully consider whether to proceed with a counterstrike immediately or opt for a more strategic and gradual approach while also considering the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Dr. Vakil acknowledges that Israel currently enjoys significant international support but urges caution in the face of potential retaliation. She believes it unlikely that Israel would target Tehran’s nuclear capabilities directly, instead opting for military targets to minimize civilian and infrastructural damage.
However, she underscores the inherent risks in any Israeli counterattack, as it could inadvertently escalate tensions and trigger a broader conflict in the region, a scenario long feared by observers.