Netanyahu tells Biden: Israel to target Iran’s military, avoid oil, nuclear sites

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has conveyed to the Biden administration his intention to target military installations in Iran rather than oil or nuclear facilities. This approach suggests a more restrained counterstrike, aimed at preventing a full-scale conflict.

Following Iran's recent missile attack on Israel — the second in six months — the Middle East remains on high alert for Israel’s anticipated retaliation, Caliber.Az reports, citing The Washington Post.

This comes at a politically sensitive time for Washington, just weeks before the presidential election, with President Joe Biden publicly stating he would oppose any Israeli strikes on nuclear-related sites.

During a phone conversation on October 8, his first with Biden in over seven weeks, Netanyahu indicated his plan to focus on Iranian military infrastructure. This information was relayed by a US official and another individual familiar with the discussions, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the talks.

The White House has not commented on the discussions, but the Israeli Prime Minister’s office released a statement asserting, "We listen to the opinions of the United States, but we will make our final decisions based on our national interest."

The planned retaliatory action aims to avoid the perception of “political interference in the US elections,” as noted by one source familiar with the discussions. This highlights Netanyahu's awareness that the scope of any Israeli strike could significantly influence the US presidential race.

Analysts warn that an attack on Iranian oil facilities could lead to soaring energy prices, while targeting the country's nuclear programme might erase existing red lines in Israel's conflict with Tehran, potentially escalating tensions and inviting a more direct US military involvement. However, Netanyahu's current plan to strike military sites — similar to Israel's response after Iran's April attack — has been met with relief in Washington.

According to a US official, Netanyahu exhibited a “more moderated place” during the recent discussion than in previous talks. This apparent softening of the Prime Minister’s stance was instrumental in Biden's decision to send a powerful missile defence system to Israel. Following their conversation, the US President felt more inclined to proceed with the assistance.

By Aghakazim Guliyev