Israel’s military leader stated on Monday that the nation will respond to Iran’s weekend attack, without providing specifics on the timing or method, as international figures cautioned against retaliation to prevent an escalation of violence in the Middle East.

The Iranian strike on Saturday was a reprisal for a presumed Israeli assault two weeks earlier on an Iranian consulate in Damascus, which killed two Iranian generals. This marked the first direct military action by Iran against Israel despite long-standing hostility since Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.

The Israeli military reported intercepting 99% of the drones and missiles through Israel’s own defenses, working in conjunction with a U.S.-led coalition.

Israel’s top military officer, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, indicated that a response to the Iranian strike is being considered. He did not offer further details on the possible response. Military spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari added that Israel would retaliate “at our chosen moment.”

Both men spoke at the Nevatim airbase in southern Israel, where Hagari noted minimal damage from the Iranian assault.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened with key officials to discuss potential responses. For the second day in a row, the government did not make any announcements regarding their decisions.

During a conversation with U.S. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Netanyahu emphasized that “Israel will take necessary measures to protect itself,” as reported by the prime minister’s office.

Although Israeli officials have hinted at retribution, the government faces significant international pressure to avoid exacerbating the conflict, particularly given the minor damage caused by the Iranian strike.

The U.S. has urged Israel to exercise restraint as it seeks to build a comprehensive diplomatic strategy.

While Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder stated that Israel would decide on its response independently, he noted, “We do not wish for further escalation, yet we will take necessary actions to safeguard our forces in the region.”

When questioned about whether a response could compromise regional stability, Ryder confirmed the U.S. would maintain “close communication with our Israeli allies, as we have throughout the weekend. Again, we do not seek an expanded regional conflict.”

The U.S. has been working in recent years to strengthen alliances between Israel and moderate Arab nations as a countermeasure against Iran.

Much of this cooperation occurs under the U.S. Central Command, which oversees U.S. military operations in the Middle East. Centcom collaborates closely with militaries across the region, including those of Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and other Arab countries.

The U.S., Britain, and Jordan—all key American partners in the region—asserted that their air forces contributed to intercepting the Iranian missiles and drones. Halevi acknowledged France and “other allies” as part of the effort and highlighted that “Iran’s attack has fostered new opportunities for regional cooperation.”

The Iranian projectiles traversed Saudi airspace, based on a map published by the Israeli military. Israel claims most interceptions occurred outside of Israeli airspace, implying at least some cooperation with the Saudis.

An independent Israeli attack could disrupt these discreet contacts, especially with nations like Saudi Arabia, which lack formal diplomatic relations with Israel. This action might also open a new conflict front with Iran while Israel remains engaged in a six-month war in Gaza against Hamas militants.

Israel and Iran have been on a collision course amid the Gaza conflict, which began after Hamas and Islamic Jihad, both Iranian-backed groups, carried out a devastating incursion on October 7, resulting in 1,200 deaths in Israel and 250 kidnappings.

Israel’s response in Gaza has resulted in over 33,700 Palestinian deaths, as per local health reports, and has caused significant destruction.

Throughout the conflict, Israel has exchanged fire with Lebanon’s Hezbollah, another Iranian-backed group, while Iranian-aligned militias in Iraq and Yemen have also targeted Israel. These tensions heighten fears of a potential large-scale conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, or even a broader direct confrontation between Israel and Iran.

Global leaders urged Israel not to retaliate against Iran.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized the need for “all parties to exercise restraint” to prevent a surge of violence in the Middle East. French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Paris would strive to “persuade Israel against escalating.”

In Washington, U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby declined to comment on whether the U.S. had been briefed or anticipated being briefed on Israeli plans for retaliation. “We will let the Israelis address that,” he remarked.

“We are not involved in their decision-making regarding a possible response,” Kirby stated.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the U.S. does not seek escalation but will continue to support Israel’s security, vowing to intensify diplomatic measures against Iran.