The threat of open warfare erupting between the arch Middle East foes and dragging in the United States has put the region on edge, triggering calls for restraint from global powers and Arab nations to avoid further escalation, Reuters reports.

The US will continue to help Israel defend itself but does not want war, John Kirby, the White House’s top national security spokesperson, told US media.

Israeli officials said Netanyahu’s five-member war cabinet favoured retaliation in a meeting on Sunday, though the panel is divided over the timing and scale of any such response.