by Francis Tuschek, Staff Writer
Israel is preparing to execute a “significant retaliation” against Iran following a missile strike from Iran that targeted Israel on Tuesday. This attack was seen as a reaction to multiple Israeli actions in the region. Israeli officials told Axios that the escalating situation could potentially lead to a widespread regional conflict involving the United States.
The Axios report suggests that Israel may focus on attacking Iranian oil production facilities or other strategic locations. Israeli officials noted that if Iran retaliates, all options would be considered, including strikes on Iran’s civilian nuclear sites.
An Israeli official mentioned to Axios, “We are uncertain about how Iran will respond to an attack, but we must consider the possibility that they could escalate significantly, which would change the dynamics entirely.”
Other potential military strategies include targeting Iran’s air defense systems or carrying out targeted assassinations. Israel has a history of conducting such operations within Iran, including the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on July 31.
To carry out substantial strikes against Iran, Israel would likely require U.S. military backing, and officials have indicated that they are in coordination with the Biden administration. Israel seeks enhanced U.S. support in the event of further Iranian aggression.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated on Tuesday that the U.S. would collaborate with Israel to ensure Iran faces “severe consequences.” President Biden has indicated that while he is working with Israel on a response, he does not support strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
“All seven of us agree that they have a right to respond, but it must be a proportional response,” he stated, referring to the leaders of the Group of Seven nations. He also mentioned that the G7 has agreed to impose new sanctions on Iran, although these may have limited effect given the existing sanctions in place.
On Wednesday, Israel confirmed that Iranian missiles had impacted several military bases but claimed there was no significant damage and reported only minor injuries to two Israelis. However, one Palestinian died in the Israeli-occupied West Bank due to shrapnel from an intercepted missile.
Iran launched approximately 180 ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for the Israeli assassination of Haniyeh and the killings of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and IRGC commander Abbas Nilforoushan.