Another “step” for Jerusalem’s response to Tehran’s attack was reportedly taken by Benjamin Netanyahu after Monday’s War Council meeting, but the next step seems “meteoric” as everyone accepts that the Israeli “response” is only a matter of time, but no one knows whether strikes on Iranian soil will ultimately be chosen that will lead to the situation out of control.

The US considers the Israeli response to Iran’s unprecedented attack is likely to be limited, and may focus on hitting key targets outside Iran, four US officials told NBC.

Noting that the US assessment is based on conversations with Israeli officials before the attack and that Israel’s approach it may have changed since then, US officials estimate that Tehran’s relatively “painless” attack may lead Jerusalem to seek a less aggressive response.

Instead of striking Iran directly in response – with Israel’s allies warning that it risks leading the region in a total war – officials told NBC that Israel may strike Iran’s proxies, such as its militias in Syria or the Hezbollah terrorist group in Lebanon.

The report adds that the US is expecting from Israel to provide updates about the decisions it makes, but do not intend to engage in any retaliation.

An unsourced report by Israel’s Channel 12 network on Monday claimed that Israel’s war cabinet had decided to respond “clean and dynamic” against Iran in a response intended to send the message that Israel “will not allow an attack of this magnitude against it to go unretaliated.”

Many believe that with his power at stake, and pressure from his far-right partners, the Netanyahu will respond forcefully ignoring Washington, believing that the US will eventually help him if needed, despite what they say today.

But the Channel 12 analysis added that Israel does not want its response to spark a regional war or shatter the coalition that helped it defend itself against Iran’s attack. He also noted that Israel intends to coordinate its action with the US.

Israel reassures Arab countries

Israel has assured Arab countries in the region that its response to Iran’s attack will not put them at risk, Israel’s public broadcaster Kan reports, amid concerns from many Arab states that they will be accountable to Tehran in case of Israeli retaliation.

According to the report, Israel has informed allied countries such as Jordan, Egypt and the Gulf states that its response, when it comes, will be in such a way that Iran cannot implicate them in retaliation.

The reported assurance from Israel to its neighboring countries comes after top Iranian commanders warned on Sunday that Israel and its allies they will face a greater attack if they retaliate against the more than 300 drones and missiles launched by Tehran.

Tehran’s comments caused concern in Jordan after Iran’s official media warned that Jordan would be the next target should he cooperate with Israel in a showdown with Iran.