TEL AVIV — Following the largest-ever Iranian missile attack by the Islamic Republic against Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finds himself between a rock and a hard place, pressed by his followers to retaliate forcefully, yet urged by the US administration to avoid an all-out regional war.

As Israel’s leadership mulls its response to Iran’s barrage of nearly 200 ballistic missiles Tuesday evening, Israelis prepare to mark the start of the new Hebrew year, Rosh Hashanah, on Wednesday evening. None are sorry to see the passing of the past year, the most tumultuous one in its history, beginning with the Oct. 7 massacre, an ensuing war with Hamas and Hezbollah, and culminating in an Iranian missile attack. 

Hamas, which breached Israel’s defenses and went on a rampage throughout the Gaza border area, initially appeared to be the most significant and deadly threat to Israel. Although Hezbollah was considered far more dangerous, it was relegated to a secondary role, backing Hamas with persistent cross-border attacks from Lebanon.