Explore possible tactics Israel could use to retaliate against Iran, from targeting military and nuclear facilities to disrupting oil production and using cyberwarfare capabilities.


A sober and sensible Reuters preview of possible Israeli retaliation against Iran.


TARGETING IRAN’S MILITARY FACILITIES

Some analysts believe Israel is most likely to respond by specifically targeting Iranian military facilities that produce ballistic missiles like those used in Tuesday's attacks. It could also destroy Iranian air defenses and missile launch facilities.

Analysts said it would be seen as the mildest response to Iran's attack.

ATTACK ON IRAN'S NUCLEAR FACILITIES

Attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities could delay Tehran’s ability to produce nuclear weapons. Iran’s nuclear program is spread across many sites, some of which are underground.

But a major attack on its nuclear infrastructure would likely have serious consequences, including potentially a move by Iran to build a nuclear weapon. Washington has said it would not support such an action by Israel.

The Islamic Republic of Iran denies that it has or plans to have a nuclear weapons program.

ATTACK ON IRAN'S OIL PRODUCTION INFRASTRUCTURE

Israel could also attack Iran’s oil industry, which would hurt its economy. Such an attack could encourage Iran to attack oil production facilities in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Arab states. That could raise the price of fuel, always a major U.S. campaign issue, before Americans elect a new president and Congress in the Nov. 5 elections.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has recently appeared to align himself more with Trump's Republicans than with the Democrats.

ECONOMIC, CYBER OPTIONS

A military response is seen as the most likely option, but there are options that do not involve missile attacks or commando raids.

Analysts say Israel could also use its cyberwarfare capabilities to respond to Iranian attacks.

Israel's latest mass pager attack on Hezbollah in Lebanon has drawn attention to the secretive Unit 8200, a unit of the Israel Defense Forces that specializes in cyberwarfare and intelligence, which Western security sources say was involved in planning the operation.

#bitcoin As usual #kripto markets are paying attention to the Middle East