Israel’s security cabinet convened Thursday night to deliberate on a potential response to Iran’s October 1 ballistic missile attack. However, no major decisions were made, as coordination efforts continue between Jerusalem and Washington, an Israeli official disclosed.
“There were no big decisions” reached by ministers, an Israeli source told The Times of Israel, emphasizing “a desire from the Israelis to coordinate with the Americans” on the response. Strategic discussions between the two nations are ongoing.
Contrary to preliminary reports, the cabinet was not asked to authorize Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to decide on a response, Channel 12 news revealed. Ministers may be asked to approve measures via phone if necessary.
The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Gallant’s trip to the US, slated for next week, remains unconfirmed. The trip aims to discuss Israel’s response with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin at the Pentagon. Netanyahu initially blocked the trip, seeking to confer with US President Joe Biden first.
Netanyahu and Biden’s Wednesday phone call was described as “positive” by both the White House and the Prime Minister’s Office. The call followed ongoing discussions between US and Israeli officials since the October 1 attack.
Despite US opposition to targeting Iran’s nuclear or oil production sites, Jerusalem has pledged significant retaliation. Biden directed US forces to help thwart the Iranian attack but expressed frustration with Netanyahu’s handling of conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.
An Israeli source familiar with the matter stated that, despite disagreements, the US and Israel generally align on regional challenges. However, a US official quoted by Axios noted that the allies “are moving in the right direction” following the call, while an Israeli official cited by the outlet said the US still views Israel’s plans as overly aggressive.
Tehran has issued vague threats to Western-backed Arab states, warning of attacks on key oil infrastructure if an Israeli-US retaliatory action proceeds through their territory or airspace, The Wall Street Journal reported. The threats have been conveyed via backchannels to Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
Saudi Arabia, in particular, remains wary of an Iranian strike on its oil plants, recalling the 2019 attack on its Aramco oilfield that shut down over 5% of global oil supply. Iran denied involvement.
The Arab states, hosting US military bases, have informed Washington that they will not permit their airspace or facilities to be used for Israeli or American military action against Iran. US defense officials confirmed that some states have informally requested Israel not use their airspace and that US bases not be used for such action.
Gulf states are lobbying Washington to prevent Israel from targeting Iran’s oil sites, fearing their own oil facilities could be targeted by Tehran’s proxies if the conflict escalates.