‘Target clear, now it’s matter of time': Israeli military shares list with Netanyahu on strike locations

Israel is all set for the retaliatory strike on Iran and the country’s military has zeroed in on the targets which it could potentially strike in response to Tehran’s 200 ballistic missile attack on Tel Aviv on October 1.

As per a report by Channel 12 news, the Israeli military has presented a list of targets to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant about its preparations, which include “sensitive coordination” with other countries in the region.

A Kan public broadcaster report said that “the political echelon” had determined the targets, though it did not specify which officials or decision-making body was involved.

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The broadcaster quoted an Israeli source as saying that the “targets are clear and now it’s a matter of time."

US informed about Israel’s plan to attack Iran

The report further mentioned that Israel has already mentioned to the US about its attack plans on Iran, but has not yet given an update on specific targets.

Israel can change targets last minute

The source also informed that “the targets could also change at the 11th hour.”

On Tuesday, Gallant vowed that Israel “will soon respond” to Iran’s ballistic missile attack.

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Israel to avoid striking Iranian nuclear, energy sites

Earlier, it was reported that Israel was mulling attacking Iranian nuclear sites and oil infrastructure, both opposed by the US.  

However, a recent Washington Post report quoted Israeli sources as saying that during a call with US President Joe Biden on October 8, Netanyahu said that the target of Israel’s retaliation would be Iranian military areas.  

The report quoted an official as saying that Israel’s plans are being calibrated to avoid having an impact on the 2024 US Presidential election scheduled for November 5.

Any possible Israeli strikes on Iranian oil facilities could shoot up energy prices, while an attack on the nuclear research program could erase any remaining red lines governing Israel’s conflict with Tehran, triggering further escalation and risking a more direct US military role.

Later, the Israeli prime minister’s office issued a statement in which it pointed out that “we listen to the opinions of the United States, but we will make our final decisions based on our national interest.”

With inputs from agencies.