Israel’s response to the recent Iranian missile attack remains a closely guarded secret. The only reliable information from the Israeli side comes from the leak transmitted by the local state media, stating that during yesterday’s Council of Ministers, which met in a limited composition on security and defense issues, the “Iranian strategic target” has allegedly already been selected. However, the government has reportedly not yet decided when exactly the Israeli counterattack will take place.

Israel-US consultations intensify

However, it is clear from the successive statements of President Joe Biden that during the last twenty-four hours the behind-the-scenes consultations of officials in Israel and the USA have intensified. It is a clear American intention to decide together with the Israelis the manner and, if possible, the timing of the impending Israeli actions. Obviously, an important factor to consider is how Iran will retaliate further. Already, immediately after the completion of the Iranian missile attack of October 1, the Revolutionary Guards, with their official announcement, made it clear that no Israeli military operation will go unanswered.

The nuclear program is out of the picture

Based on indications so far, both based on the content of Biden’s statements and based on publications and analysis that have seen the light of day in Israeli media, the White House has reportedly secured Israel’s commitment that Iran’s nuclear facilities they will not be hurt. On the other hand, yesterday’s statement by the American President that a target related to Iranian oil production may be affected, in addition to the increase in the price of oil, seems to have been the occasion to observe unusual movement inside Iran.

Specifically, since yesterday there are increasing indications that the Iranian authorities have begun removing tankers and emptying oil storage areas on the island of Kharg, off the northern shores of the Persian Gulf. This particular island is considered to be of pivotal importance for Iranian oil exports, due to its geographical location and logistical infrastructure.

Radio silence in Israel

No one is surprised by the Israelis’ intention not to reveal their upcoming moves. The radio silence that has prevailed since Wednesday afternoon (2/10), is reinforced by the deafening silence of government officials, which is due to the three-day celebration of the Jewish New Year. As, after all, is the case with every religious holiday in Israel, there are few broadcasts of news content and government officials at times refrain from public statements of political content.

This year in fact, due to the current war reality, the prime ministerial environment has given clear orders to the ministers not to make any statement that will be related, even indirectly, to the Israeli military strike against Iran – the realization of which is considered more than certain.

Towards another extension of silence?

The Israeli silence may end tonight, with the end of the three-day holiday of the Jewish New Year. However, the silence may be prolonged, because from dusk on Friday until tomorrow night, the weekly holiday of the Jewish Sabbath is observed – which could be another reason for the extension of the public silence, or for the extension of the behind-the-scenes collusion with the White House.