Israel has stated that it will take into consideration the opinions of the United States but ultimately make decisions regarding its response to Iran's October 1 attack based on its own national interests. This comes after reports surfaced that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed US President Joe Biden that Israel might refrain from targeting Iranian nuclear and oil sites.
Netanyahu's office responded to a Washington Post report by emphasizing that while they value US opinions, the final decisions will be guided by Israel's national interests. The Islamic Republic launched a missile attack on Israel on October 1 in retaliation for the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Iranian commander Abbas Nilforoushan.
If Israel were to target Iran's nuclear and oil facilities, it would represent a significant escalation in the conflict. Concerns over such actions have led to a spike in oil prices and raised fears of a broader conflict involving the US and Iran's oil-producing Arab neighbors. Any disruption in Middle Eastern oil supply could have far-reaching implications on global energy prices, especially with the upcoming US elections.
US officials have expressed their opposition to Israel targeting Iranian nuclear sites or oil fields. During their recent conversation, President Biden advised Netanyahu that any Israeli retaliation should be proportionate. A US official mentioned that Netanyahu appeared to be in a more restrained stance during the phone call with Biden.
Following the October 1 attack, Netanyahu vowed that Iran would face consequences for its actions, while Defense Minister Yoav Gallant promised a powerful, precise, and unexpected response from Israel.
