According to sources who spoke to CNN, the US is anticipating Israel’s military response to the Iranian attack on Saturday to be a “narrow and limited strike” within Iran.
The administration officials also stated that the US has not been given any official information on what the plans might be. One source expressed their hope that Israel would give them a heads-up so they can prepare to protect their personnel, not only military but diplomatic throughout the region.
Israel has been advised by allies to refrain from escalating the situation as it contemplates its response to Iran’s unprecedented missile and drone attack.
On Saturday, Tehran reportedly launched over 300 projectiles at Israel, claiming that it was retaliating against a strike on its consulate in Syria. which killed two generals and several other Iranian officers.
About 99% of the missiles, drones and cruise missiles launched during Iran’s retaliatory operation were shot down or intercepted with the US, UK, Jordan and France all helping to intercept the massive barrage.
British Foreign Minister David Cameron said Wednesday that it was clear Israel had made a decision to respond to Iran’s unprecedented weekend drone and missile attack and he hoped the retaliation would be carried out in a way that minimized escalation. Cameron spoke to reporters in Israel after meeting President Isaac Herzog.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock says she made clear during talks in Israel with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others that the Middle East must not be allowed to slide into a situation whose outcome is completely unpredictable.
Prior to the Iranian missile and drone attack on Israel, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and Foreign Minister Israel Katz both threatened that if Iran launched a direct attack from its own soil then Israel would strike back inside Iran.
Speaking to Sky News, Zohar Palti, former director of intelligence at Mossad, says targeting nuclear facilities in Iran is among the options on the table as Israel decides how to respond to Saturday’s attack.
Asked if everything was on the table, including targeting nuclear facilities, Mr Palti said: “No doubt. Everything is on the table right now.”
Iran’s president Ebrahim Raisihas warned that the “tiniest invasion” by Israel would bring a “massive and harsh” response, as the region braces for potential Israeli retaliation.
