U.S. officials believe that Israel has narrowed down its target in response to Iran’s attack, focusing on Iranian military and energy infrastructure. There is no indication that Israel will target nuclear facilities or carry out assassinations. The region has been tense awaiting Israel’s response to Iran’s missile barrage on October 1, which Iran claimed was retaliation for Israel’s actions in Lebanon and the assassination of its allies. The U.S. is uncertain when Israel will respond, but Israeli military is ready. Israel has shared some information about their retaliation with the U.S., but many details are withheld for security reasons.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin discussed a potential Israeli response with his counterpart, Yoav Gallant, but details were not provided. U.S. officials have urged Israel to maintain a proportional response, focusing on military targets and avoiding civilian facilities. President Joe Biden emphasized the humanitarian situation in Gaza and Lebanon in his call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and stressed the challenges Israel could face in a war with Iran on a second front. Overall, the U.S. is prepared to defend its assets in the region from any potential counterattack from Iran but is not likely to provide direct military support to the operation.
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