Israel considers strikes on Iranian military bases and intelligence sites
Illustrative: An IAF F-15I fighter jet of the 69th squadron takes off from Hatzerim Airbase in southern Israel, during a pilots graduation ceremony, June 22, 2022. (Emanuel Fabian/Times of Israel/File)
Israel is reportedly weighing targeted strikes on Iranian military bases and intelligence sites in response to recent missile attacks from Tehran, according to a report from The New York Times.
The strikes, which may exclude Iran’s nuclear facilities in the initial phase, are seen as a proportional response urged by the United States to avoid escalating the conflict.
Following missile attacks on Israel from Iran on Oct. 1, Tel Aviv has vowed to respond forcefully. Israeli media outlets have speculated that Israel could expand its list of potential targets to include Iranian oil and nuclear facilities, as well as high-profile locations such as the residence of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the Revolutionary Guards Corps headquarters in Tehran.
US urges caution
U.S. President Joe Biden has advised Israel to avoid targeting Iranian nuclear and energy sites, urging a proportional response to the missile attacks. Biden confirmed on Oct. 3 that discussions are ongoing regarding potential Israeli strikes on Iranian oil facilities.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has also warned Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant against taking actions that could trigger further escalation. Gallant is expected to meet with Austin in Washington on Wednesday to discuss Israel’s response.
Potential Iranian targets and Israel’s strategy
Initial Israeli strikes are likely to focus on military bases and intelligence compounds, officials say, with the possibility of targeting nuclear sites only if Iran retaliates.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has called for a broader strategy, suggesting that Israel seize the opportunity to strike at Iran’s nuclear program and energy infrastructure.
“Israel has its greatest opportunity in 50 years to change the face of the Middle East,” Bennett said on social media, urging swift action against Iran.
However, U.S. officials, including President Joe Biden, have cautioned against such moves, arguing that striking Iran’s nuclear facilities could lead to a full-scale regional war.
Long-standing debate over potential Israeli strikes
The debate over whether to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities has persisted for years. Former President Donald Trump has supported hitting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure first, though he avoided doing so during his presidency.
The Israeli military, meanwhile, has trained for such operations, conducting drills to simulate long-range flights and aerial refueling in preparation for strikes on distant targets.
Israel has considered various options for disabling Iran’s nuclear capabilities, from sabotage operations to the use of advanced bunker-busting bombs. However, officials acknowledge that some of Iran’s nuclear sites, particularly those buried deep in mountains, would be difficult to destroy.
