In the heart of Tel Aviv, the wail of air raid sirens pierced the night, jolting Israelis from their sleep. It was just after midnight on Thursday, and the Jewish state was striking back at its arch-nemesis, Iran. As the echoes of the sirens faded, the question on everyone’s mind was clear: What does this mean for the rest of us, including Malta?

Israel’s military announced it had struck Iranian targets in Syria, including surface-to-air missiles and command and control systems. The strike was in response to a drone incursion from Syria into Israeli airspace the previous day. But this was no ordinary retaliation. For the first time, Israel admitted to targeting Iranian sites in the heart of Damascus, Iran’s capital.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was quick to defend the action, stating, “We will not allow Iran to establish a military presence in Syria. We will not allow Iran to turn Syria into a forward base against us.” But the question remains: Has Israel just drawn a new line in the sand, or has it set the Middle East on a slippery slope towards wider conflict?

Malta, with its strategic location in the Mediterranean, has long walked a diplomatic tightrope in the Middle East. Officially, Malta maintains friendly relations with both Israel and Iran. But with its EU membership and strong ties to the US, Malta’s sympathies often lie with the Israeli side.

In 2012, then-Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi condemned Iran’s threats to attack Israeli interests, stating, “Malta strongly condemns Iran’s threats to attack Israeli interests… We stand firmly by Israel’s right to exist and live in peace.” Today, Prime Minister Robert Abela has maintained a similar stance, reaffirming Malta’s support for Israel’s right to defend itself.

Yet, Malta also recognizes the importance of stability in the Middle East and the need for dialogue. In 2015, Malta’s Foreign Minister George Vella (now President) stressed the importance of diplomatic efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, stating, “Malta believes that a just and lasting peace can only be achieved through direct negotiations.”

For Malta, the immediate threat is low. Israel and Iran have shown restraint in the past, avoiding actions that could draw third parties into the conflict. But the escalation in tensions is a reminder of the volatile nature of the Middle East and the potential spillover effects.

Malta’s strategic location makes it a potential target for terrorist groups should tensions escalate. any disruption in oil supplies from the Middle East could have significant economic impacts on Malta, which imports all its oil. Additionally, Malta’s tourism industry could be affected if regional instability deters visitors.

In light of these potential risks, Malta’s Foreign Affairs Ministry has been monitoring the situation closely. Malta’s Ambassador to Israel, Norman Hamilton, has been in touch with Israeli authorities, reaffirming Malta’s support for Israel’s right to defend itself while also stressing the need for de-escalation.

Malta’s role in the Middle East has always been that of a small, neutral player, using its diplomatic channels to promote dialogue and understanding. In the face of escalating tensions, Malta’s voice remains important.

As a member of the EU and the UN, Malta can use its platforms to advocate for de-escalation and diplomacy. It can also work with its European partners to ensure a coordinated response to any potential spillover effects.

In the words of former Maltese President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, “Malta’s small size should not be mistaken for weakness. We have a unique voice in the international community, and we must use it to promote peace, justice, and understanding.”