Netanyahu: Biden doesn't want to bomb Iran's nuclear facilities and oil, but we have the final say

There are reports that Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu may protect Tehran's nuclear and energy facilities from any direct retaliation. Israel said it is listening to America's concerns about its plans to fight back against Iran, but will act on its own assessment.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's office on Tuesday, “We are listening to America, but we will make the final decision based on our national interests.”

The statement came after the Washington Post reported that Netanyahu agreed to limit his retaliation for the October 1 ballistic missile attack on Iran to military targets. The report quoted two officials familiar with Netanyahu, but did not reveal their identities.

Israel's potential response to Iran's attack is the latest source of tension in the Biden administration's relationship with Israel. The Biden administration has been seeking a cease-fire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip and Hezbollah in Lebanon, but to no avail.

A major escalation of the situation may plunge more regions of the Middle East into war, and may affect the US presidential election next month. International oil prices plummeted at the end of Monday after the “Washington Post” news came out.

Israel and the US have been consulting regularly as Netanyahu prepares countermeasures. Israel will receive the Saad Missile Defense System (THAAD), provided and operated by the US, which will enhance Israel's ability to withstand any future ballistic missile attacks. However, some analysts said that the deployment of the system and the approximately 100 US troops dispatched to Israel may also hinder Israel's ability to act alone against Iran.

According to industry executives, former military officials, and analysts, while Israel is strengthening air defenses to protect the country from attacks by Iran and its proxies, it faces hidden concerns about a shortage of interceptor missiles. Dana Stroul (Dana Stroul), a former senior US defense official in charge of Middle East affairs, said, “Israel's ammunition problem is serious. If Iran responds to Israeli attacks (with large-scale air strikes) and Hezbollah joins in, Israel's air defense will be stretched to the limit. It is impossible for the US to continue supplying arms to Ukraine and Israel at the same rate. We're reaching a tipping point.”

Israel Aerospace Industries (Israel Aerospace Industries) is a state-owned enterprise that makes arrow interceptors for shooting down ballistic missiles. Boaz Levy (Boaz Levy), the company's CEO, said he is working three shifts to keep the production line running.