Israel's "North Wing" is on fire, reassuring about Iran's response makes the US "relieved"? Washington "takes action"

Fierce fighting on Israel's northern border with Lebanon left at least 11 people dead and 19 others injured on October 15, amid speculation that Israel has reached an internal consensus on how to respond to Iran.

The US is deploying the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system in Israel. (Source: Eestieest)

Lebanese military sources revealed that Israeli warplanes and drones carried out a total of 17 airstrikes on towns and villages in southern Lebanon and 11 airstrikes on the east of the country on the afternoon of October 15 (local time).

In response to the attacks, Hezbollah announced that, in support of the Palestinian people and to protect Lebanon and its people, the movement attacked the Israeli city of Safed with a barrage of missiles on the same afternoon.

Regarding the incident, on October 16, AFP quoted an announcement from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirming that about 50 rockets were fired from Lebanon in an attack last night targeting the town of Safed. There were no casualties or damage reported.

Regarding the Israel-Iran tension, on October 15, Israel's national radio station Kan reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant of this country agreed on the method and timing of retaliation for Tehran's large-scale missile attack earlier this month, after security consultations with other ministers.

The campaign still needs final cabinet approval, the radio station said.

Meanwhile, AFP quoted a statement from Prime Minister Netanyahu's Office emphasizing that Israel will "listen to the US's opinion" but will "make the final decision" on retaliation against Iran based on its own "national interests".

Earlier, US President Joe Biden warned Israel not to attack Iran's nuclear or oil facilities to avoid escalating regional conflicts and negatively affecting global energy prices.

The statement came after the Washington Post , citing unnamed US officials, reported that Netanyahu had assured the White House that any counterattack would be limited to military sites.

The Wall Street Journal also quoted unnamed US officials as saying that Israel's assurances were made during a phone call last week between the two leaders, as well as in conversations between US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant, commenting that the plan "has come as a relief to Washington".

Also related to the situation in the Middle East, Reuters reported that on the same day, October 15, the Pentagon confirmed that components of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system began being transported to Israel on October 14 and will soon be operational, but refused to disclose the specific time for security reasons.

“In the coming days, additional US military personnel and remaining components of the THAAD system will continue to arrive in Israel,” said US Defense Department spokesman Pat Ryder.

The decision to deploy the advanced THAAD missile defense system is aimed at enhancing Israel's ability to protect against regional threats.

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