While further conflict between Israel and Iran is likely, there is also a logic to “leave it at that”, according to Sky News’ Middle East correspondent. 

G7 leaders are meeting today to discuss the next steps following Iran’s air strikes into Israeli territory. 

The leaders reportedly hope to coordinate a "united diplomatic" response to the attack – although Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari has said Iran “pushed the Middle East towards escalation”. 

Sky News Middle East correspondent Alistair Bunkall said what happens next “depends on Israel”. 

“The Iranians say that they’re done,” he told The Anton Savage Show. 

“[They’ve said] what happened last night was their retaliation, their revenge for the killing of their officers, their military officers in Damascus. 

“We’ll wait and see whether or not that is the case, but I think more importantly is does Israel leave it at that? 

“There's a logic to say, leave it at that - [Israel] took out senior Iranian commanders, they violated an international agreement by targeting consular land in a foreign city. 

“You managed to fend off a major attack by shooting down all the drones and missiles that were fired. 

“But you still seek revenge on someone who tries to burn down your house even if you are already there with the hose to put out the flames.” 

Israel may 'send a very clear message'

Mr Bunkall said Israel may decide to “send a very clear message back to Iran”. 

“If we go into that kind of territory, we really do start to slide down the scale and towards potential war,” he said. 

He said Israel may choose to target southern Lebanon, which has been “on the cards” for the last six months as Hezbollah, the ally of the Palestinian group Hamas, have forces close to the Israeli border. 

Demonstrators in Iran chant slogans during their anti-Israeli gathering in front of the British Embassy in Tehran, 14/04/2024. Image: AP Photo/Vahid Salemi

Despite hundreds of thousands of Israelis evacuating due to Hezbollah, Israel has not yet pushed back – although that may change soon. 

Mr Bunkall noted “not a single drone” fired by Iran made it into Israeli airspace, although a ballistic missile did strike a military base. 

The only recorded injury so far is a young child seriously wounded from shrapnel. 

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Main image: People protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government and call for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip by the Hamas militant group in Tel Aviv, Israel, 13/04/2024. Image: AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg