Netanyahu Assures US of Targeted Response to Iran, Avoiding Nuclear and Oil Facilities
Tel Aviv, Israel – Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have assured the United States that any potential counterstrike on Iran will focus solely on military targets, not oil or nuclear facilities, The Bureau Newspaper reports. This assurance follows discussions between Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran.
In a classified phone call last week, Netanyahu conveyed to Biden that Israel’s planned military response would specifically avoid critical Iranian infrastructure such as oil refineries and nuclear sites. This assurance aligns with Biden’s publicly stated opposition to strikes on such targets, which could potentially escalate the conflict. The phone conversation, described by the White House as “productive” and “direct,” marked the first interaction between the two leaders in nearly two months.
The Washington Post first reported Netanyahu’s reassurances to Biden. Responding to the report, Netanyahu’s office acknowledged considering the United States’ opinions but reaffirmed that Israel’s final decision on retaliatory actions would be guided by its national interests.
“We listen to the opinions of the United States, but we will make our final decisions based on our national interests,” Netanyahu’s office posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The discussions come as tensions in the region remain high, following an Iranian attack on October 1 and the broader context of the ongoing conflict, which has extended beyond Gaza and into Lebanon. American officials are working closely with Israel to prevent a wider escalation, even as they emphasize Israel’s right to defend itself.
While the White House has not commented on Netanyahu’s specific commitment regarding nuclear and oil facilities, it remains engaged in coordination with Israeli counterparts as Israel weighs its response.