Gamechanger Direct attack on Israel is a crisis that affects us all

The missiles and drones that rained destruction on Israel last Sunday morning gave Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, what he craved - a mandate and justification for openly attacking Iran, a country he has long viewed as Israel's archenemy.

- Simon Tisdall

The pressing question is what form Israel's promised "significant response" will take and if Iran will strike back again.

The responses of the US, Britain and other allies of Israel will be crucial. It is incumbent on them to inform Netanyahu that military, diplomatic and political support is conditional on a legitimate and proportionate riposte. It would be preferable if Israel did not hit back.

Iran failed in its apparent aim of inflicting serious harm. Israel says 99% of its missiles and drones were destroyed. Casualties have been light. Tehran said last Sunday the episode is "concluded" - but has vowed to fight back if attacked.

And what will Netanyahu do? His wisest course would be to hold up the attacks as proof of his hawkish view: that Iran is a rogue state that flouts international law and imperils Israel, Arab and western states.

Given his past form, however, it is unrealistic to expect Netanyahu to turn the other cheek. Tehran's action has presented him with a unique opportunity to switch global attention away from his government's appalling depredations in Gaza and failure to defeat Hamas.