How all sides gained from Iran's attack on Israel

Iran, Israel, the US and Hamas walked away with some gains from Iran’s attack on Israel:

Israel: As more than 300 drones and missiles headed toward Israel, the country was able to successfully put to the test its aerial defence system, which, along with help from allies, blocked 99 per cent of the projectiles and prevented any major damage.

By contrast, Israel’s military had suffered a bruising defeat at the hands of a far less-equipped enemy when Hamas stormed from Gaza into Israel on October 7.

Israel has also boasted about the coalition of forces that helped it repel the Iranian assault. It’s a much-needed show of support at a time when Israel is at its most isolated because of the Gaza war.

Iran: Iran vowed repeatedly that it would avenge the Israeli strike on its diplomatic compound in Damascus on April 1 that killed two generals. Sunday’s assault allowed Iran to show its citizens that it won’t stand by when its assets are attacked.

The US: The US was a key player in repelling the assault, demonstrating to its allies around the world the power and reliability of American support.

Hamas: Hamas, which is backed by Iran, welcomed the strike on Israel. Since launching its October 7 attack, Hamas had hoped that regional partners might come to its assistance and drag Israel into a broader war. While some have done — including the Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and Yemen’s Houthis — Iran had not directly entered the fray until Sunday.