Israeli opposition leader, Yair Lapid, yesterday called for Israel to attack Iran’s oil facilities in response to last week’s Iranian missile strike on the occupation state, despite the limited damage caused to Israel, the Palestinian news website Sama reported.
Israeli estimates suggest that an attack targeting oil facilities would likely lead to a rise in oil prices and potentially provoke a stronger Iranian retaliation than the previous strikes. Such a response could expand the conflict in Gaza and Lebanon into a broader regional war.
A brief statement by the Israeli army revealed that General Michael Kurilla, head of the US Central Command, met with Israeli Chief of Staff, Herzi Halevi, and other senior officers on Sunday. They discussed “key security issues, particularly Iran and the northern front” with Lebanon. This comes amidst US opposition to any Israeli strike on strategic Iranian targets, such as oil and nuclear facilities.
Speaking to Walla news, Lapid said that oil facilities are “Iran’s weak spot.” He added: “There are complex discussions underway with the Americans in this respect, and I can understand why they are reluctant to see oil prices rise just before the US elections.” However, he claimed: “This does not change the fact that Israel has its own interests and unique perspective.”