Domestically, Netanyahu will pay enormous price if Israel does not respond. It kills the small chance he had in the looming election. If he does choose to respond, he risks invoking Trump's wrath and having a public clash with him (which he has avoided so far). A real bind
Yair Wallach
Wow: Trump is obviously angry with Netanyahu's attack on Beirut, despite his reported tough warning to him: Axios now reports that Trump plans to call Netanyahu and ask that Israel not respond to Iran's attack. Will this last? Not if one goes by his track record with Netanyahu.
Shibley Telhami
Trump also made clear to Fox News that he 'is not happy' about the Israeli attack on Beirut, further linking the Iranian attack with Israeli action, suggesting that the development has undermined a deal.
Shibley Telhami
Trump fo FoxNews: "What I would suggest to Iran: You've shot your missiles, that's enough. Get back to the table and make deal," seemingly accepting that Iran was retaliating for Israel's attack on Beirut, as they had threatened, and as he had warned Netanyahu about. Remarkable!
Shibley Telhami
This is a truly remarkable event in that Iran is initiating attack on Israel in response to an Israeli attack on Lebanon. Unprecedented development.
Shibley Telhami
After Israel attacks Beirut, Iran launches multiple rounds of missile strikes at Northern Israel.
