The concerted effort, which Israeli authorities saw as the beginning of a “strategic alliance” of regional resistance to Tehran, helped foil an assault by hundreds of Iranian drones and missiles.
At a time when Israel is finding itself alone over its assault against Hamas in Gaza, the coalition, which is headed by the United States, Britain, and France, offered more than just physical assistance. It was spiritually rewarding, as well.
After the conflict ends, the alliance might provide an example of regional cooperation.
The identity of the Israeli neighbors who helped shoot down most of Iran’s 350 missiles and drones remains a mystery. Unnamed “partners” were also mentioned by Israeli military authorities, including a prominent member of the War Cabinet. White House National Security Advisor John Kirby refused to identify them when asked; however, one seemed to be Jordan, which justified its behavior by saying it was acting in self-defense.
To strengthen relations with the Arab world and integrate Israel, the United States has long sought to build a regional coalition against Iran. The 2020 Abraham Accords, which formally recognized Israel’s independence from four Arab nations, and the inclusion of Israel in the United States military’s Central Command were both components of this endeavor. The Arab world is in utter anger over the conflict, which has killed more than 33,700 Palestinians, and as a result, those efforts have been halted.
Gen. Erik Kurilla, head of CENTCOM, traveled to Israel to plot a course of action just before Iran’s assault. Israel’s military head, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, acknowledged the cooperative defense effort to CENTCOM on Sunday.
Yoav Gallant, Israel’s defense minister, said after speaking with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin that the cooperation emphasized the opportunity to establish an international coalition and strategic alliance to counter the threat posed by Iran.
According to an Israeli source informed about the discussions, the War Cabinet of Israel convened late Sunday to deliberate potential responses; however, no decisions were reached. Restoring Israel’s reputation after the October Hamas assault depends on blocking the Iranian onslaught. The region and Western capitals will intently observe the next move of the Middle East’s best-equipped army, mainly as Israel aims to build the coalition it lauded on Sunday.
