AA / Istanbul / Serdar Dincel
Israeli leaders have yet to brief the United States on the specifics of its military response to last week’s ballistic missile attack by Iran, despite ongoing discussions among U.S. military officials about possible support to Israel through intelligence or airstrikes, two U.S. officials said.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Sunday evening to discuss possible responses to the Iranian missile launch, although Israel has not made a final decision about his course of action or timing, according to officials familiar with the interview, NBC News reported Tuesday.
On Sunday, Israeli officials met to review their response options, according to two U.S. officials.
The U.S. sources said that while Israel has likely made the decision to retaliate, it is still refining its options during meetings held Monday and Tuesday. Potential responses being considered include strikes on Iranian military and intelligence infrastructure, air defenses and energy facilities, although nuclear sites were apparently not part of the discussions.
Gallant was scheduled to meet with Austin in Washington on Wednesday, a trip initiated by Gallant himself, but the meeting was postponed at the request of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
US officials have expressed concerns that Israel’s response to Iran could take place during the meeting between Gallant and Austin.
Iran remains on alert, preparing for a possible Israeli response in response to the missile launch carried out on October 1 by Tehran. The attack has heightened regional tensions amid Israel’s brutal offensive against the Gaza Strip, which is entering its second consecutive year.
*Translated from English by Mourad Belhaj
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