Israel’s plan is reportedly ready for an imminent strike on Iran

Israel’s plan to respond to this month’s Iranian attack is ready, a source familiar with the matter told U.S.-based media outlet CNN. U.S. officials reportedly anticipate that Israel may launch an attack on Iran before the American presidential elections scheduled for November 5.

Unnamed sources cited by CNN suggest speculation that Israel could act ahead of the election. U.S. officials noted that discussions are ongoing in Israel regarding how to respond to Iran, with expectations that an attack could occur before November 5.

While the timing of a potential Israeli strike is not directly linked to the presidential election, officials emphasized that Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is “particularly sensitive to the political processes in the U.S.”

Strike would be limited to military targets

Israeli officials, including Netanyahu, have assured the U.S. that any counterstrike would be limited to military targets, avoiding oil or nuclear facilities, according to a source.

Concerns are rising that an Israeli strike on Iran could significantly impact U.S. politics, as the potential for conflict escalation in the Middle East around the election period may resonate strongly in Washington.

In a joint letter to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin urged that food aid from Tel Aviv to Gaza be facilitated.

U.S. officials stressed the importance of ensuring humanitarian aid access to Gaza within 30 days to improve the region’s humanitarian situation, warning that failure to do so could lead to a violation of U.S. laws as outlined in President Joe Biden’s memorandum issued in February.