EgyptDailyNews- Israeli officials confirmed to Axios that Tel Aviv considered launching a retaliatory strike against Iran after last Saturday's attacks, but decided to back down, noting that the administration of US President Joe Biden urged Israel to be cautious in any retaliation against Tehran.
"Delaying the attack"
The officials added that the War Council decided to postpone the attack against Iran for operational reasons. On the other hand, American sources told Axios that Washington is not sure about the size and timing of Israel's actual attack on Iran, stressing that Israel informed the Biden administration on Monday that it had decided to postpone the attack against Iran.
“Washington will be informed of Israel's decisions.”
In this context, a US official said that Israel confirmed that it would inform Washington of its decisions regarding Iran. These statements came at a time when the US President warned against being dragged into war.
He said in an article in the Wall Street Journal, "We may be drawn into a war in the Middle East if Iran escalates its attacks, so Israel's defenses must be strengthened."
"limited strike"
A senior US official had suggested that Israel would launch a limited strike inside Iran. However, he clarified that the date of these strikes is not yet known, pointing out that Tel Aviv does not share details about the targets or timing with Washington, according to what CBS reported.
He also noted that the United States also does not know whether the Israeli government will inform it before launching strikes.
Response scenarios
Over the past few days, Israeli military and political circles have witnessed many discussions about the timing and nature of the response. While some officials called for a direct and quick response without delay, others considered it more useful to wait.
While the response scenarios presented by the military leaders were numerous, from direct strikes on sites inside Iran, despite the opposition of some, including the United States, to carrying out assassinations also inside Iran.
Some scenarios also included striking weapons storage sites and military headquarters of Iranian militias or factions supported by them, whether in Syria, Iraq, or even Lebanon. Other response options also included carrying out widespread cyber attacks, whether on nuclear reactors or sites belonging to the Revolutionary Guard.
Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi vowed yesterday that any encroachment on his country’s territory would require a frightening and swift response, although he later clarified that Tehran does not want further escalation in the region.
