After Iran’s unsuccessful attack on Israel, attention has shifted to how Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will respond. Israel is considering various options to retaliate against Iran for its aggression, amid reports that the Biden administration has urged Netanyahu to show restraint to prevent further conflict. The possibility of attacking Iran’s nuclear capabilities has been a subject of years of planning, with potential plans involving F-35 stealth fighter jets capable of hitting sites as far as 1,200 miles away. Such an attack would aim to eliminate Iran’s air defenses, paving the way for Israeli strikes on nuclear facilities.
Israel would need to ensure U.S. support for any military action and decide on strategic objectives. Military strikes are not the only option, as Israel has various capabilities to choose from. Retaliation could target Iran’s military nuclear program or its economic infrastructure, depending on Israel’s strategic goals. In response to the Iranian attack, Israeli forces conducted airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. The attacks targeted a Hezbollah weapons manufacturing facility and other locations, signaling a potential escalation in the region.
The planned attack involving F-35 fighter jets into Iran could be followed by additional waves of aircraft and surface-to-surface ballistic missiles. However, it remains unclear whether Israel will choose such a dramatic response. The decision will be based on a “theory of the case for victory,” which could involve targeting regime leadership, military bases, or the energy and oil sectors of Iran. Israel has refrained from overtly attacking Iran’s nuclear program in the past, raising questions about how its response will shape the future dynamics in the region.
Retired Gen. David Petraeus highlighted the numerous options available to Israel for a response, including both overt and covert military actions. Israel could pursue asymmetric attacks, cyber warfare, or work with G7 countries to determine diplomatic and economic responses. The decision made by Israel will have wide-ranging implications and will require careful consideration of the potential outcomes. While the situation remains fluid, Israel will have to carefully weigh its options and plan accordingly to achieve its strategic objectives in the face of Iranian aggression.
