Sat Oct 05 05:02:23 UTC 2024: ## Israel’s Response to Iran’s Missile Attack Remains Unclear, US Officials Say
**JERUSALEM/WASHINGTON** – The Israeli government has yet to clarify its intentions regarding a potential retaliation for Iran’s ballistic missile strikes on Tuesday, leaving US officials in a state of uncertainty.
“It’s as ambiguous as it could be,” a senior US State Department official told CNN, adding that it is difficult to predict whether Israel will use the anniversary of Hamas’ October 7 attacks to launch a response. “We hope and expect to see some wisdom as well as strength, but as you guys know, no guarantees,” the official said, declining to confirm whether Israel had assured the US that Iran’s nuclear sites were 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 official added.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched 181 ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday night, triggering nationwide air raid sirens and forcing millions into bomb shelters. While most of the missiles were intercepted, there were reports of damage and injuries, including the death of a Palestinian civilian in Jericho.
US officials have expressed support for Israel’s right to defend itself. “There must be consequences for Iran for this attack,” said US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller.
However, President Joe Biden has reportedly opposed Israel’s consideration 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.
The Israeli government’s silence on its potential response has created a tense atmosphere of anticipation, with global attention focused on the potential consequences of Iran’s aggression.
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