Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) cautioned on Sunday that a weak response to Iran’s recent missile attack on Israel could potentially escalate into a wider conflict in the Middle East. Speaking on NewsNation’s “The Hill Sunday,” Bacon acknowledged the risk of a broader conflagration if Israel were to retaliate against Iran.
He emphasized the importance of responding firmly to deter further aggression from Iran. “There is a risk,” Bacon stated, “But I think there’s a bigger risk if you respond weakly or if Israel responds weakly.”
He expressed concern that a weak response could be perceived as a sign of weakness by Iran, potentially emboldening them to escalate their actions against both the United States and Israel. Bacon highlighted the need for a strong and decisive response to prevent Iran from further increasing tensions in the region.
After Iran fired many missiles and drones towards Israel, they made these comments. They said they did it because they believed Israel attacked the Iranian embassy in Syria and killed two high-ranking officers from the IRGC.
Israel’s defense systems, with support from allied forces, successfully intercepted the majority of the incoming missiles and drones. However, the incident has raised concerns about the potential for further escalation in the already volatile region.
Bacon also referenced the ongoing violence between the Palestinian militant group Hamas and Israel, which has resulted in serious casualties on both sides.
He emphasized the need for a strong response to restore deterrence and prevent Iran from continuing to support proxy forces engaged in attacks against American and Israeli interests.
While Bacon stressed the importance of a robust response, he acknowledged that eventually, Israel would decide how to address the situation. Meanwhile, the Biden administration has been working to prevent a broader regional conflict and has reiterated its support for Israel’s right to defend itself.