Israel says will make its 'own decisions', hints at inevitable response to Iran attacks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday (April 17) said that the country will make its own decisions on how they will defend themselves as well as retaliate against Iran's attack.

The prime minister made the statement as Western countries called for restraint in responding to a barrage of missiles and drones launched by Iran.

The United States, the G7 group of industrialised nations and the European Union announced that they will impose tougher sanctions on Iran, with the hope that Israel will avoid any retaliatory attack.

German and British Foreign Ministers, Annalena Baerbock and David Cameron, respectively,also travelled to Israel to stop the confrontation between Israel and Iran from escalating.

Addressing a meeting of his Cabinet on Wednesday (April 17), Netanyahu thanked both visiting foreign ministers for extending their support.

However, he said that Israel will make the call on its own on how it will respond despite “all sorts of suggestions and advice” coming from Israel’s allies, which include the United States, the United Kingdom and France.

“I want to be clear: we will make our decisions ourselves. The state of Israel will do whatever is necessary to defend itself,” said Netanyahu.

During his meetings with the German and British foreign ministers, Netanyahu’s office had earlier said that the prime minister “reiterated that Israel would maintain its right to self-defence.”

Israel has promised to respond to the unprecedented attack by Iran amid calls from other countries to exercise restraint.

Iran vows 'massive and harsh' response amid deteriorating ties

Amid increasing diplomatic pressure on Israel, Iran’s president warned that even the “tiniest” invasion of its territory by Tel Aviv will see a “massive and harsh” response.

Meanwhile, violence escalated between Israel and the Iran-backed Lebanese militant Hezbollah group on Wednesday (April 17) after the latter fired a volley of rockets and drones on northern Israel.

Watch:Iran attacks Israel: Does the West have a plan to stop the war?

In the attack, nearly 14 Israeli soldiers suffered injuries out of which six were in a serious condition, said the army. The military said that it hit Hezbollah targetsin Lebanonin response.

Tensions between Iran and Israel escalated after its embassy in Damascus was allegedly hit by an Israeli airstrike on April 1.

In response, Iran launched more than 300 missiles and drones at Israel, most of which were shot down and no deaths were reported.

However, Israel argues that it should retaliate to the attack to preserve the credibility of its deterrents. According to Iran, the matter is closed as of now but they will retaliate again if Israel attacks.

(With inputs from agencies)