Netanyahu plans strike on Iran, targeting military sites, not nuclear or oil

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has informed the Biden administration of plans to carry out a military strike on Iran, focusing on military infrastructure rather than oil or nuclear facilities, according to officials familiar with the discussions. The move comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, and is seen as a calculated effort to avoid triggering a larger regional conflict ahead of the U.S. presidential election.

The Washington Post reports the planned strike follows Iran’s second missile barrage on Israel in six months. During a recent phone call, Netanyahu outlined his approach to U.S. President Joe Biden, emphasizing a targeted response against Iranian military assets.

This approach aligns with Washington’s preference for restraint, as Biden has publicly opposed strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, fearing they could escalate tensions further.

In response to Israel’s planned actions, the U.S. announced the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system to Israel.

The Pentagon confirmed the arrival of U.S. personnel and initial components of the system, with more expected to follow in the coming days.

Israel intends to carry out the strike before the U.S. elections on Nov. 5 to avoid any perception of hesitation. However, some Israeli officials are skeptical that targeting military sites will be enough to deter Iran from future attacks or slow its nuclear progress.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and other Israeli figures have called for a more direct approach, pushing for strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Despite pressure for a stronger response, Netanyahu has stressed the importance of strategic patience, particularly as Israel is already engaged in multiple conflicts, including military operations in Lebanon and Gaza.

Thousands of Israeli troops have recently entered Lebanon, and the military has ramped up its offensive against Hamas in Gaza. Netanyahu’s government has signaled patience in dealing with Iran, possibly delaying a strike until operations in Lebanon and Gaza are completed.

The escalating tensions between Israel and Iran also come after Tehran fired nearly 200 ballistic missiles at Israel in early October. The attack killed a Palestinian man in the West Bank and hit two Israeli military installations. Iran’s ambassador to the U.N. said the strike was intended to “restore balance and deterrence” following Israeli operations against Iranian targets.