Media: Israeli cabinet fails to reach consensus on retaliation against Iran

Israel's government is still deliberating its response to a missile attack from Iran last week, as confirmed by an Israeli official.

A security cabinet meeting on Thursday night concluded without a decision on how to proceed, leaving it unclear whether divisions exist within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration or if they are merely waiting for the right moment, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

In the meantime, Israel intensified its airstrikes on Beirut after a brief period of calm, resulting in 22 deaths and 117 injuries, according to the Lebanese health ministry. These strikes are part of Israel's broader campaign to weaken Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group, which has conducted missile and drone attacks on Israeli territory. Israel claims that the ongoing military actions, including ground incursions in southern Lebanon, are necessary due to failed diplomatic efforts to curb Hezbollah's aggression.

The Lebanese government has reported that Israel's offensive has killed hundreds and displaced over a million people. Simultaneously, tens of thousands of Israelis have fled areas near the Lebanese border, with around 25 civilian casualties attributed to Hezbollah attacks over the past year.

Ahead of the cabinet meeting, US President Joe Biden had a call with Netanyahu, discussing Iran’s missile launch on October 1, which caused minimal damage but forced millions of Israelis into shelters. Biden cautioned against attacks on Iran's critical infrastructure, warning that such actions could provoke a strong Iranian response.

The US is encouraging Israel to limit its military response to specific targets while proposing new economic sanctions against Iran. Washington is concerned that a significant Israeli strike on Iran could escalate into a broader conflict, impacting global energy prices and the economy. In Lebanon, diplomatic efforts for a cease-fire between Hezbollah and Israel are ongoing, but US opposition poses a challenge. Meanwhile, fighting continues in Gaza, where Israel has significantly weakened Hamas, allowing it to shift its focus toward Hezbollah in the north.

By Vugar Khalilov