Throughout his career Benjamin Netanyahu has been a generally cautious politician, either deferring decisions or taking the least incendiary options.

There’s a school of thought in Israel that he had no choice but to act after the Iranian barrage of missiles and drones.

To not do anything would have flown in the face of decades of Israeli security policy.

How then to deal with the strike and balance different international and domestic pressures?

Middle East latest: Worshippers in Tehran chant ‘death to Israel’ after strike

Certainly, allies like the US were suggesting that after the successful interceptions and defence of the nation he should “take the win”.

But members on the far-right of his right-wing coalition were urging him to go “berserk” – the logic being that only a forceful overreaction would restore Israel’s deterrence in the region.

Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel ‘will make own decisions’ amid threat of ‘fierce and painful response’ from Iran

Lord Cameron set for Israel visit as Rishi Sunak tells Benjamin Netanyahu now is ‘moment for calm heads’

Risks of bigger war rising as Iran intends to hit back over suspected Israeli embassy strike – but Biden knows he can’t blink

Read more:
Key moments in the Middle East this week
Iran calls Israeli strike ‘infiltration’ as it downplays attack on Supreme Leader’s birthday

It is why his radical national security minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, has labelled the Israeli response as “lame” on social media.

Strong words yes, but he is unlikely to cause a major headache on the Iranian question.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Mr Netanyahu’s far-right coalition members are thought much more likely to be very demanding when it comes to Gaza.

There the Israeli PM could find himself being given red lines when it comes to who rules the strip when the fighting stops.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Mr Netanyahu may also be compelled into taking action in the southern city of Rafah.

The US and others have strongly objected to such an operation because it would make the humanitarian situation even more dire.

The bottom line is, when it comes to making things difficult, it will be the Palestinian question, if anything, not Iran, that sinks the coalition and puts Mr Netanyahu in a tight spot.

Related posts:

‘A horrifying sight’: At least 12 killed in stampede at Hindu shrine in Kashmir Sri Lanka’s prime minister ‘offers resignation’ and entire country under curfew as violence erupts Britons plead not guilty to being mercenaries in Russian-backed separatist court Dangerous far-right demagogue or free-thinking radical? Italy on verge of electing first female PM Protesters occupy German village earmarked for demolition to make way for coal mine ‘It’s painful’: US facing record-breaking wind chill factors so cold they’re literally off the charts China drilling hole over 11,000m deep into the desert What is happening in Gabon and who is Ali Bongo? Iran ‘launches satellite into space’ amid Western fears over nuclear threat Embers of a dying fire: Surprise and relief as Iceland volcano simmers down Day of mourning declared after 14 killed in Prague shooting – as suspect linked to separate murder ‘Carnage’ at Dubai airport as UAE hit by ‘heaviest rainfall in 75 years’