U.S. officials have indicated that Israel will likely target Iranian military and energy infrastructure in response to Iran’s missile attack, rather than nuclear facilities or carrying out assassinations. The region has been tense awaiting Isreal’s response, but U.S. officials do not have a specific timeline for when the retaliation might occur. Israel has shared some information with the U.S. about their plans, but many details have been withheld for operational security reasons.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Israeli counterpart discussed broad strokes about the retaliation, but specifics were not shared. The U.S. has urged Israel to keep their response proportional and focus on military targets while avoiding oil, gas, and nuclear facilities. President Biden also stressed the importance of considering the humanitarian situation in Gaza and Lebanon, and the challenges of carrying out a war in Lebanon while facing a threat from Iran.
There is uncertainty about when Israel’s response will happen and what form it will take, but the Israeli military is reportedly ready to act at any time. U.S. officials are prepared to defend their assets in the region from any potential counterattack from Iran, but direct military support to the Israeli operation is not likely. Overall, there is a sense of cautious anticipation as the situation between Israel and Iran continues to unfold.
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