Israel-Iran Conflict: Why Israel Delayed Its Retaliatory Attack on Iran? The Real Reasons Revealed
Iran fired 180 ballistic missiles within minutes on October 1 in a sudden missile attack on Israel. Israel threatened retaliation against Tehran but didn't respond for 26 days, which has set off questions around the world. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said during this time that an eventual strike would demonstrate the strength and preparedness of the Israeli military. Israel finally returned fire with airstrikes on four cities and several military sites in Iran, using over 100 fighter jets in a coordinated offensive this week.
Also Read: Israel-Iran Conflict: Israel Intensifies Retaliatory Airstrikes on Tehran and Iranian Military Bases
Why did Israel delay its response?
Speculation into the delay of Israel's reaction followed: Was Israel unwilling or was it strategically delaying? The Times reported the leak of the attack plan by the United States. The leak of information made the United States have to make some adjustments in its tact so as to delay its own counterstrike.
Increased pressure from the leak
A planning insider told The Times that leaked documents do not specifically name a target, but it will give Iran hints about possible patterns to attack. Israel, after this move, developed a new alternative plan but that needed war games for testing before putting it into action. Hence, leakage of U.S. documents created a change of strategy by Israel and there was more time to get ready before responding.
How the Plan Was Compromised
On October 18, leaked plan of attack over Telegram drew widespread discussion by sharing highly classified information of the US National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency about Israeli Air Force and Navy plans, initially intended for only "Five Eyes" intelligence. Immediately after this event, the FBI opened an investigation into the leak source. At first, it suspected an Iranian-origin Pentagon staff member. Currently, though, no Pentagon staff member is reported by U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to be under investigation.
Why Did Iran Attack Israel?
According to reports, Iran's missile attack against Israel happened on October 1 in retaliation for Israel's activities in Lebanon and the killing of Hezbollah Chief Hassan Nasrallah, Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh, and IRGC Commander Nilforushan. Iran is said to stage a strong counterattack after it received a missile strike from Israel.
Future Ramifications of Israel's Counterattack
The attack was initially thought to be at Iran's nuclear facilities or oil reserves as Israel thought of carrying out such an act. However, the U.S. warned Israel against the same. Israel then shifted its attention at Iran's military and strategic sites. Suspecting that Israel might respond even more aggressively after the bombing at Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's private house in Caesarea last week,. The situation remains ongoing, which signifies that there exists a period of heightened tension as both countries now strategize on their next move.
