'Matter of time': Israel identifies targets to hit Iran

Israel has reportedly identified potential targets in Iran, signalling that it is nearing a response to a recent ballistic missile attack by the Islamic Republic.

According to Israeli media, military officials presented a list of targets to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and defence minister Yoav Gallant, as they finalise operational plans which include careful coordination with regional allies.

The report, aired by Channel 12, suggests that the "political echelon" has settled on these targets, although specific decision-makers were not disclosed. An Israeli source noted that the targets are set, and now it’s "a matter of time" before action is taken.

While Israel has briefed the United States on its general plans, it has not yet provided updates on specific targets, leaving open the possibility that these could change in the final moments.

Despite this, Netanyahu’s office made it clear that while Israel values input from the US, its national security needs will ultimately guide the final decision. Israel’s planned retaliation, according to some sources, remains more aggressive than what the US would prefer.

Defence minister Gallant also confirmed that both he and Netanyahu are aligned on the need for a precise and lethal response, reported the Times of Israel.

Speaking publicly, Gallant vowed that Israel would "soon respond" to Iran, assuring that the retaliation would be carefully targeted.

Reports have also emerged that during a call with US President Joe Biden on October 8, Netanyahu assured the president that the forthcoming Israeli response would avoid non-military sites.

This is viewed as an effort to prevent any political complications, particularly given the US's preference to avoid a broader escalation that could impact civilian infrastructure in the region.

Israel’s initial considerations had included attacks on Iranian oil or nuclear sites, which the US opposed due to the risk of retaliation.