Israel delays decision on retaliation, seeks US consultation after missile strike

Israeli officials, anticipating an extensive regional conflict, announced that Israel is poised to execute a "significant retaliation" within days in response to a large missile attack on October 1, which may involve targeting oil production facilities and other strategic sites within Iran.

A senior Israeli official informed Axios that one of the reasons no decision was reached during the cabinet meeting was that Israeli officials wished to consult with the Biden administration, Caliber.Az informs.

Israel is preparing to respond independently to Iranian attacks; however, it seeks to align its plans with the United States due to the strategic implications involved. An Israeli official indicated that should Iran launch another attack in retaliation for an Israeli counterstrike, this would necessitate defensive collaboration with US Central Command, additional munitions for the Israeli Air Force, and potentially other forms of US operational support.

On October 1, President Biden remarked that discussions are ongoing between the US and Israel regarding the response to the Iranian aggression, stating, "it remains to be seen" what the outcome will be.

A US official confirmed that during talks between the Biden administration and the Israeli government, the US expressed its support for an Israeli response but emphasised the need for it to be measured.

Biden also mentioned that he plans to discuss the response to the Israeli strike with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. According to an Israeli official, this conversation is expected to take place on October 2, just hours before the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah.

By Aghakazim Guliyev