Israel Responds

Israel launched its much-anticipated retaliatory strike against Iran on Saturday.

Jerusalem said the strike was a response to “months of continuous attacks” from Iran and its allies—including the barrage of missiles Tehran fired at Israel on October 1. The retaliation targeted Iranian “missile manufacturing facilities,” killing four Iranian soldiers. Israel said its “mission was fulfilled,” though Iran said strikes caused “limited damage.”

In Israel, critics of PM anyahuNet said the IDF “should have exacted a heavier price from Iran.” The strike steered clear of Iranian oil and nuclear sites—targets the U.S. had pressured Israel to avoid to prevent additional regional escalation. 

The Biden administration expects Israel’s strike to be “the end of the direct military exchange.” While Iran reiterated its right to self-defense, it also expressed commitment to “regional peace and stability.”

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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
Join us in prayer for the Middle East, confident that God hears and grants our prayers when we pray “according to his will” (1 John 5:14–15).

“Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Book of Common Prayer, page 655