Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated on Tuesday, October 15, that while Israel values the United States’ opinion, it will act according to its own “national interests” in responding to any Iranian missile attack. This statement comes after U.S. President Joe Biden cautioned Israel against targeting Iran’s nuclear or oil facilities to prevent further regional escalation and manage concerns over global energy prices.
Reports from the Washington Post suggest that Netanyahu assured the White House that any Israeli counterstrike would be limited to military targets. This assurance was allegedly made during a call last week between Netanyahu and Biden, as well as in conversations between U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. However, Netanyahu dismissed these claims, affirming that Israel would prioritize its national security needs.
“We listen to the opinions of the United States, but we will make our final decisions based on our national interest,” Netanyahu’s office stated.
The tension stems from Iran’s launch of approximately 200 missiles at Israel on October 1, in retaliation for an Israeli airstrike in Beirut that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Iranian general Abbas Nilforoushan. Israel has vowed to respond to the Iranian missile attack, with Defense Minister Gallant promising a response that would be “deadly, precise, and surprising.”
As Israel prepares for potential action, it balances international diplomatic considerations with its determination to safeguard its security interests amidst the escalating conflict with Iran.
