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Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth revealed intense consultations at both the political and security levels in preparation for a possible attack on Iran, which may be carried out in the coming days. Israel’s public broadcaster cited political sources indicating that the security cabinet decided to execute what it described as a severe response to the Iranian attack. Meanwhile, The New York Times reported on potential Israeli strike options, ruling out a hit on Iran's nuclear facilities.

Yedioth Ahronoth pointed out that the response to Iran may involve multiple options and is not necessarily limited to airstrikes. An Israeli source stated that Tel Aviv should not go too far in its response, but it will be "much stronger" than the retaliation for the April attack.

The source added that while the U.S. might not fully agree with this Israeli decision, Washington understands that Tel Aviv must respond.

Israel’s public broadcaster also quoted political sources from the security cabinet, noting that the response will be harsh but will not lead to a regional war. Factors such as the U.S. elections influence the anticipated response, as both political and security consultations on how to retaliate against Iran are ongoing.

Response Options
An American official stated that Israel's potential response could target Tehran-backed groups or launch strikes against Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces in Yemen or Syria. The New York Times cited Israeli officials, saying Tel Aviv is not currently planning to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities. Instead, it may target oil production sites or military bases.

The final decision on how Israel will respond to the Iranian attack is yet to be made and might only become clear after Rosh Hashanah, by Friday evening. Israel’s response will depend on the level of practical and rhetorical U.S. support.

U.S. President Joe Biden remarked that he would discuss Israel’s next steps with its leaders, agreeing on their right to retaliate but urging a proportionate response. Biden also expressed opposition to an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Politico reported that the Biden administration is working to scale down the Israeli response rather than prevent it altogether. U.S. officials noted Biden’s frustration with his waning influence over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with conversations between the two turning confrontational.

Iran launched a missile barrage on Israel on Tuesday evening, claiming it was retaliation for the assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh, Hezbollah’s Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, and Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander Abbas Nilforushan. Following the strike, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that "if the Zionists make any mistakes, they will face an even stronger and more devastating response."

Iranian Chief of Staff General Mohammad Bagheri revealed that the strike targeted three major airbases and a Mossad headquarters. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the Iranian missile attack had failed and warned that Tehran had made a serious mistake and would pay the price.

Following the unprecedented Iranian missile attack, the Israeli military declared it would choose the right time to demonstrate its precise and surprise offensive capabilities against Iran. Israel’s Channel 12 quoted an army spokesperson: “We will decide how, when, and where to respond.”

Yedioth Ahronoth also reported that, according to a security source, Israel would launch an intense attack on Iran in retaliation for the missile launches.

Source: Al Jazeera + U.S. Press + Israeli Press