During a recent interview, U.S. officials expressed their expectations that Israel may launch attacks against Iran before the U.S. elections on November 5. This anticipated retaliation, however, is believed to be focused specifically on Iranian military targets, rather than nuclear or oil facilities. Following Iran’s launch of nearly 200 ballistic missiles aimed at Israel on October 1, there has been significant global attention on when Israel might respond.
According to sources cited by CNN, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has assured U.S. officials that any military action would be limited to military objectives. Some American officials suggest that Netanyahu is acutely aware of the potential political implications of an Israeli strike on Iran right before the elections, as it could reshape the electoral landscape and further complicate diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Israel.
One source highlighted that while Netanyahu is keenly aware of U.S. political dynamics, the timing of Israel’s military response is not directly tied to the U.S. elections. Instead, he is concerned about the internal political ramifications for Israel. Another source indicated that Israel is planning to conduct operations in a way that avoids any perceived “political interference” with the election.
CNN also reported that Israeli forces are prepared to attack Iran, but specific details of the plans remain undisclosed. The conflict has escalated to a critical level, particularly following the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah due to Israeli airstrikes on September 27, which prompted Iran’s missile attack on Israel—marking the most intense escalation in the region since the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. The international community is closely monitoring whether the situation could spiral into a larger regional war.
After Iran’s missile launch, Netanyahu vowed that Iran would “pay a price” for its actions. Recently, French President Emmanuel Macron called on all nations to halt arms sales to Israel unless it agrees to a ceasefire in Lebanon and Gaza.
Speaking with Macron on October 15, Netanyahu firmly stated that Israel opposes any “unilateral ceasefire” in its confrontation with Hezbollah, arguing that such an approach would only revert Lebanon’s security situation to previous levels. Netanyahu also made it clear to Macron that Israel will not accept any constraints on its military operations against Hezbollah.
On the morning of October 16, the Israel Defense Forces reported that Hezbollah had fired nearly 50 missiles into Israeli territory. The IDF’s statement did not include any information on casualties or damages. In a separate communication, Hezbollah’s deputy leader Naim Qassem threatened Israel, demanding that it accept a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon or face “painful” consequences.
The Lebanese National News Agency reported on October 16 that Israeli missile strikes targeted the southern Lebanese city of Nabatieh, resulting in the death of the city’s mayor, Ahmad Kahil, along with several other municipal employees during the attack.
