US officials are not privately trying to persuade Israel to hold back on retaliating against Iran in the aftermath of Tuesday’s attack, according to two senior Biden administration officials. This marks a notable shift from April when President Joe Biden had urged Israel to exercise restraint in response to Iran's attacks.
While Israel did respond by targeting an air defense system in Isfahan, there are expectations of a larger counterattack that may encompass a wider range of targets, including Iran’s nuclear facilities. However, the administration currently assesses that it is unlikely for Israel to strike Iran’s nuclear sites, with Israeli officials still deliberating on their course of action.
President Biden emphasized that while Israel has the right to respond, any action taken should be proportional. The Iranian attack on Tuesday, which seemingly aimed at military and intelligence facilities, did not result in any Israeli casualties. However, a Palestinian man in the West Bank was killed by shrapnel from an interceptor missile launched by Israel.
With the Jewish New Year holiday Rosh Hashanah commencing on Wednesday, the Israeli response may be delayed. The holiday period provides Israel with time and space to consider its next steps following the attack.
