Wow.
We're here.
On the edge of WW3.
So, quick catch-up ICYMI:
Israel bombed the Iranian embassy in Damascus, senior Iranian officials and military leaders died. Iran responded by sending a wave of cruise missiles and drones to hit targets in Israel. Israel claimed to have successfully shot down 99% of the attacking ordinance. And now Israel is threatening a massive retaliation to Iran's retaliation.
That's how things seem if you follow the news. But there's deeper truth and nuance here!
The Iranian attack was wildly more successful than Israel is admitting. Iran has proven that the much vaunted cutting edge, world leading, Israeli-USA missile defence system is by no stretch infallible. It CAN be overcome. Iran CAN strike again. Next time, they CAN drop a nuke on Israel (for one extreme example).
The Netanyahu coalition government was in deep political trouble before this whole mess. They are in much deeper trouble now but holding on to power because you don't change government in the middle of a war. And they now have very few viable strategic options. If they just back down an relative peace resumes they'll lose their coalition and be out of power. But they can't really press an attack without the USA in full military parnership. And the Biden administration has made it plain that they won't in fact automatically "stand with" Israel if Israel attacks Iran. So Israel is on their own. With few viable strategic options. And a desperate leadership on the brink of losing political power.
It's hard to imagine what might happen next.
I STRONGLY advise the below video for a more complete understanding of the situation.