A former Israeli diplomat says Israel’s successful defence of Iran’s attack could help it wrap up its military offensive on Gaza, Al Jazeera reports.

“What happened with Iran, I think it will help finish the war on Gaza because the defence the Israeli air force did last night is seen as a big achievement here. This might help Netanyahu because he has some achievement on his record,” Alon Liel told Al Jazeera.

“I think we should bring the hostages back, and we should finish the war on Gaza. Going back to Rafah will open the whole thing again and further complicate the situation. Very difficult for Israel to do so without American support. I can’t imagine us doing a major military move now without fully coordinating with the Americans. But they might approve going down, in a coordinated way, with moving the [Rafah] civilians out.”