Israel Agrees to Avoid Strikes on Iran Oil, Nuclear Sites: Report

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly agreed to limit Israel's retaliatory strikes against Iran to military targets, avoiding attacks on Iran's oil infrastructure or nuclear installations, according to a report by The Washington Post. The decision comes after an Iranian missile barrage on Israel on October 1 and follows discussions between Netanyahu and U.S. President Joe Biden. This agreement marks a notable shift in Israel's stance, as it appears Netanyahu is seeking to avoid escalating tensions in a region already fraught with conflict, while also being mindful of the upcoming U.S. presidential election.

Two unnamed officials familiar with the discussions told The Washington Post that Netanyahu's decision to strike military targets instead of oil or nuclear sites aligns with U.S. interests in preventing the Middle East conflict from expanding further. The officials explained that the Israeli Prime Minister aims to calibrate the response in a way that minimizes potential perceptions of Israel meddling in the U.S. election, which is set to take place in the coming weeks. This strategic calculation may offer some relief to the Biden administration, which has expressed concerns over the possible repercussions of an Israeli strike on critical Iranian infrastructure, especially as Washington tries to maintain a delicate balance in its foreign policy.

The discussions between Netanyahu and Biden reportedly took place during a phone call last week, their first conversation in nearly two months. Netanyahu reassured Biden that Israel's retaliatory strikes would focus on Iran's military infrastructure, avoiding provocations that could impact the global oil market or raise the specter of a nuclear confrontation. Both Israel's Prime Minister's Office and the White House declined to comment on the report, as noted by The Washington Post. However, the sources emphasized that Netanyahu's decision represents a more restrained approach than many had expected from the Israeli leader.

The reported decision by Netanyahu is significant, particularly given the heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, both of whom have long been adversaries. In recent months, Israel has repeatedly voiced its concerns over Iran's nuclear ambitions, while also facing rocket and missile attacks from militias in the region. The October 1 missile attack is seen as part of a broader escalation.

In response to the Iranian attack, President Biden made it clear that the U.S. would not support any Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear-related sites, fearing that such a move could ignite a larger regional conflict and destabilize the Middle East. The Biden administration's position reflects a growing wariness in Washington about the risks associated with military strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, which could provoke a broader confrontation involving multiple nations.

In an apparent move to persuade Israel to refrain from targeting Iran's oil sector, the U.S. Treasury Department last week imposed sanctions on 17 ships and 10 entities tied to what it described as Iran's "ghost fleet" of tankers. These tankers have been facilitating the shipment of Iranian oil and petrochemicals, including to refineries in China, despite existing sanctions. By targeting Iran's oil export operations, Washington aimed to put economic pressure on Tehran without resorting to military action.

Despite Netanyahu's more restrained approach, tensions remain high. The Israeli government has indicated that it is prepared to defend its citizens against further attacks, while also maintaining its longstanding opposition to Iran's nuclear program. In the face of ongoing threats from some forces, Israel has bolstered its missile defense systems, with Biden recently agreeing to send additional missile defense capabilities to the country as part of the U.S. commitment to Israel's security. - Business Times