Israel has not explicitly stated whether it will strike Iran nuclear sites in response to the ballistic missile attack launched by Iran on Tuesday.
The situation remains highly uncertain, with a senior US State Department official informing CNN on Friday that predicting Israel’s actions, especially around the anniversary of Hamas’ October 7 attacks, is “really hard to tell.”
“We hope and expect to see some wisdom as well as strength, but as you guys know, no guarantees,” the official said when asked by CNN if Israel has assured the US that Iran’s nuclear sites are off the table.
“I think in some ways they would want to avoid the seventh, so in my estimation, if there is anything it would likely be before or after,” the senior State Department official said.
On Tuesday night, Iran fired 181 missiles at Israel. This attack set off alarms across the country, sending about 10 million people to seek safety in bomb shelters. The missiles were aimed at three military bases close to Tel Aviv.
Most of these missiles were stopped mid-air, but some caused damage. In Tel Aviv, two people got minor injuries from missile pieces falling from the sky. Sadly, in Jericho, which is in the West Bank, one person died because of this debris.
After about an hour, the Israeli army said it was safe for people to come out of the shelters, as the danger had passed.
US officials have voiced support for Israel and its response to Iran’s missile attack earlier this week. “Israel has a right to defend itself, as any nation does. In terms of what Israel’s response will be, of course, there must be consequences for Iran for this attack. We’ve made clear that there must be consequences,” said Matthew Miller, Spokesperson, US Department of State, during a press briefing.
President Joe Biden opposed Israel’s idea of targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities.
“If I were in their shoes, I’d be thinking about other alternatives than striking oil fields,” Biden said at a press briefing Friday.
