### Israel Assures US on Military Response to Iran, Avoids Oil and Nuclear Targets

Israel has reassured the United States that any counterstrike on Iran will focus solely on military targets, steering clear of oil or nuclear facilities. This assurance comes from discussions between Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the US, according to a source familiar with the talks.

President Joe Biden, publicly opposing attacks on Iran's nuclear and oil facilities, discussed Israel's plans in a classified phone call with Netanyahu last week. During the call, Netanyahu confirmed his strategy to aim exclusively at military targets, the source revealed. The Washington Post initially reported Netanyahu's reassurances to Biden regarding the avoidance of nuclear and oil assets.

In response to this report, Netanyahu's office acknowledged US opinions but emphasized that Israel's response to Iran's October 1 attack would ultimately align with its national interests. "We listen to the opinions of the United States, but we will make our final decisions based on our national interests," Netanyahu's office stated on X.

The White House described the recent phone call between Biden and Netanyahu as both "productive" and "direct." This marked their first conversation in nearly two months. A spokesperson for the National Security Council affirmed the US's unwavering commitment to Israel's defense, while refraining from commenting on private diplomatic discussions, directing inquiries to the Israeli government regarding their potential military operations.

As tensions escalate in the long-standing conflict that has now extended beyond Gaza to Lebanon, Israel's decision on how to respond to Iran is critical. The White House has been working diligently to limit Israel's retaliation to ballistic missiles, aiming to avert a broader war.

Meanwhile, Biden and top officials recognize Israel's right to respond and maintain close coordination with their Israeli counterparts. A strike on oil fields, which could spike energy prices, is particularly unwelcome with weeks to go until the US elections. Additionally, attacking Iran's nuclear facilities risks sparking a full-scale regional war, something Biden is keen to avoid.

US officials anticipate a measured response from Israel, understanding that the country seeks to avoid an uncontrollable conflict with Iran. However, Biden’s influence over Netanyahu has been somewhat constrained as he tries to end the violence in Gaza and prevent a larger war.