According to U.S. officials, Israel has reportedly identified the Iranian military and energy infrastructure as the targets of its reprisal to Iran’s attack.
Although there is no indication that Israel will target nuclear facilities or conduct out assassinations, U.S. officials emphasized that the Israelis have not made a final decision regarding how and when to act.
The region has been anticipating Israel’s response to an Iranian missile barrage that was launched on Oct. 1. Iran claimed that the barrage was in response to Israel’s invasion of Lebanon and the assassination of its allies, including Hamas’ Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah’s influential leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in Beirut.
Little harm was inflicted upon Israel by Iran’s attack.
The U.S. is uncertain as to the timing of Israel’s response; however, officials have stated that the Israeli military is prepared to respond at any moment once the order is issued.
U.S. officials emphasized that they do not have any information to suggest that the response will be delivered today.
However, they acknowledged that Israel has not provided them with a specific timeline, and it is unclear whether Israeli officials have even reached an agreement on one.
A response could be forthcoming during the Yom Kippur holiday, according to U.S. and Israeli officials.
The officials stated that Israel has provided the United States with additional information regarding the retaliation; however, they have refrained from disclosing numerous specifics due to operational security concerns.
The United States is prepared to protect its assets in the region from any imminent counterattack from Iran; however, it is unlikely that the operation will receive direct military support.
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