Israel Could Target Iranian Oil Industry, Military Sites & Targeted Assassinations

Israel vows "significant retaliation" against Iran after a massive missile attack on Tuesday, with potential targets including oil production facilities, military sites, and key figures, as tensions escalate in the Middle East.

This is reported by Axios today. 

The situation between Israel and Iran has escalated to the brink of direct conflict. Iran has warned that any forceful response by Israel will lead to further attacks. Israeli officials have stated that "all options are on the table," including potential strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, if Iran continues its aggression.

“We have a big question mark about how the Iranians are going to respond to an attack, but we take into consideration the possibility that they would go all in, which will be a whole different ball game," an Israeli official was quoted as saying by the report.

Following yesterday’s Iranian attack against Israel, the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi, spoke with the Commander of CENTCOM, General Michael Erik Kurilla, regarding the current situation.

The IDF and the U.S. Armed Forces cooperated together in defense several days before, during, and after the Iranian attack, the IDF said. 

Among possible targets, Israeli officials have highlighted Iranian oil facilities, air defense systems, and senior officials. The retaliation may include airstrikes and clandestine operations similar to the recent assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. An Israeli defense official suggested that the response would be much larger in scope than previous actions, which included a limited strike on an Iranian S-300 air defense battery in April.

On Tuesday, the Israeli security cabinet met in a secure underground bunker as the first wave of Iranian missiles was being launched. The majority of the Iranian missiles were intercepted by Israeli and U.S. defense systems, with most of the remaining missiles striking open areas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, "Iran made a big mistake tonight and it will pay for it." He reaffirmed Israel's policy of retaliation in the event of attacks on its territory.

A senior Israeli official mentioned that a final decision on the scale of the response had not yet been made, as Israel seeks to coordinate with the Biden administration. While Israel intends to act independently, it is consulting with the U.S. due to the strategic implications and the need for U.S. operational support in case of further Iranian retaliation. President Biden expressed support for an Israeli response but emphasized the need for a measured approach. Discussions between Biden and Netanyahu on the response are expected to take place soon.