Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has revealed plans for potential military strikes on Iranian military infrastructure following recent missile attacks. Amid escalating tensions between the two nations, sources indicate that Israel aims to limit its targets and avoid nuclear and oil facilities.
In discussions with US officials, Netanyahu assured President Joe Biden’s administration that Israel’s retaliation would focus strictly on military installations in Iran. This more moderated stance prompted the Pentagon to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system and 100 US military personnel to bolster Israel’s defenses against possible Iranian retaliation.
The Israeli defense establishment is divided on the scale and visibility of any strikes against Iran. While Netanyahu’s team advocates for patience, former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett argues for a more comprehensive attack on Iran’s nuclear capabilities, describing the situation as “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
The discussions between Israel and the US highlight a complex balancing act. Biden has expressed opposition to strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, fearing escalation into a broader conflict. However, the stakes are high for Israel, particularly after Iran’s missile attack on October 1, which killed a Palestinian man and prompted Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to call for a precise and painful response. With ongoing military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, Israel is treading carefully to avoid opening new fronts.
Experts caution that a strike on Iranian infrastructure could provoke significant retaliation from Iran and its proxies, potentially derailing diplomatic efforts aimed at reviving nuclear negotiations. Political analysts suggest that Netanyahu’s timing may also be strategic, anticipating a shift in US policy depending on the outcome of the upcoming elections.
