JERUSALEM – Israel will consider the United States’ opinions but will ultimately make its own decisions based on national interests, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated on Tuesday. The announcement followed a Washington Post report, which detailed discussions between Netanyahu and the Biden administration regarding possible retaliatory strikes on Iranian military targets.
The statement comes as tensions rise, with Israel expected to respond to Iran’s missile attack on October 1, which intensified conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed group in Lebanon. According to the Washington Post, Netanyahu had informed the Biden administration that any Israeli counterstrike would focus on military targets rather than nuclear or oil infrastructure, signaling a more measured response aimed at avoiding a full-scale war.
The report also mentioned that Israel’s decision would be calibrated to avoid perceptions of interference in the upcoming U.S. elections, citing officials familiar with the matter.
“We listen to the opinions of the United States, but we will make our final decisions based on our national interests,” Netanyahu’s office said, reaffirming Israel’s commitment to independent action.
U.S. President Joe Biden has expressed opposition to attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, with global markets watching closely amid fears of potential Israeli strikes on Iranian oil fields. Gulf states have urged the U.S. to prevent Israel from targeting Iranian oil infrastructure, concerned that any escalation could see their own oil sites come under threat from Tehran’s proxies.
The ongoing situation has intensified diplomatic discussions as regional powers and global allies, including the U.S., attempt to navigate the growing tensions between Israel and Iran.