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U.S. officials believe Israel has narrowed down its targets. Response to Iranian attackthese officials describe as Iran’s military and energy infrastructure.
There is no sign that Israel will will target nuclear facilities But U.S. officials stressed that they had not made a final decision on how and when Israel would act.
The region is nervously awaiting Israel’s response to the Iranian missile barrage launched on October 1, which Iran says was in response to Israel’s invasion of Lebanon and assassination of an ally. Ta. Hamas’ Ismail Haniyeh in Tehranand Hassan Nasrallah, the powerful leader of Hezbollah In Beirut.
Iran’s attacks caused little damage to Israel.
The United States does not know when Israel will respond, but officials said Israeli forces remain ready to deploy at any time. when the command is given.
U.S. officials stressed that they had no information indicating a response would occur today, but acknowledged: Israel has not shared a specific schedule with them. –And it’s not yet clear whether Israeli officials have reached an agreement.
U.S. and Israeli officials said the response could take place during the Yom Kippur holiday.
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Officials said Israel shared more information with the US about the retaliation, but many details were withheld Operational security concerns. The United States stands ready to defend assets in the region from an immediate counterattack from Iran, but is unlikely to provide direct military support for this operation.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with Israeli Defense Secretary Yoav Gallant last night to broadly discuss Israel’s response. However, it is unclear whether Gallant provided any specific details. Their call came after an Israeli ministerial meeting on retaliation, but Gallant did not share the specific goals discussed at that meeting.
U.S. officials continue to urge the Israeli government to respond proportionately, sticking to its military objectives and avoiding oil, gas and nuclear facilities.
President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not discuss details during their phone call this week, U.S. officials said.
biden Strong request to Prime Minister Netanyahu He highlighted the humanitarian situation in Gaza and Lebanon and called for an end to the fighting. The US president also stressed that Israel needs to consider how difficult it will be to successfully wage the Lebanon war and face the strong threat of Iran on the second front.
