Editorial 15 April 2024.
Most of Monday’s front pages report on Israel’s possible response to Iran’s attack on its territory. It’s the first time Iran has launched a direct attack on Israel. Reports say 99% of Iran’s launched missiles were intercepted or shot down. The attack was in retaliation for an Israeli strike on a consulate building in Damascus.
Israel vows revenge as UN calls for restraint
The first missile launched from Iran is pictured on the front page of the Times and the Sun while the Guardian pictures an anti-missile system in operation in southern Israel.
Roger Boyes writes in the Times the geo-political cards have been reshuffled and the shadow war between the two countries is spilling out into the open. He says Israel’s response could cost north of $1bn.
The Sun says RAF Typhoon fighters took out drones bound for Israel, after scrambling from a military base in Cyprus. The paper says it was the UK’s biggest air fight since the Falklands.
The Guardian says the UK’s response was well-considered, with preparations going on for several days.
The Daily Mail says Israel was “reportedly pulled back from the brink of immediate retaliation” by US President Joe Biden.
‘World on brink of war’
The i newspaper leads on a UK government source who told the paper that ministers are keen to see a de-escalation.
The FT quotes an Israeli source as saying the decisions facing Israel’s cabinet is whether to “go bid” against Iran or to respond in a measured manner.
The right-leaning newspaper Daily Express says only a “devastating” response against Iran will reduce the chances of further escalation.
The Times notes the MoD has released few details about the latest engagement due to nervousness in the government over the UK’s involvement. The paper says the PM may give more details later today.
Rwanda scheme cost £5bn over 5 years
Away from the Middle East crisis, several papers leave space on their front pages to report on the latest from the Rwanda scheme.
The Times says it has seen leaked documents which reveal that Britain has entered talks to replicate the Rwanda scheme with Armenia, Ivory Coast, Costa Rica and Botswana. The paper says the countries were approached by government officials, despite concerns raised by the Foreign Office about each of them.
The Daily Telegraph says it’s seen another set of documents setting out how the UK’s agreement with Rwanda is designed to incentivise the country to take upwards of 30,000 migrants. The paper says that would cost the UK £5 billion over five years.