New York Times: Israel's Initial Plan for a 'Major Attack on Military Targets' Included Areas Near Tehran

The New York Times published a report on Israel's decision to attack Iran on the night of Thursday and Friday [last week], citing three unnamed Israeli officials who stated that the initial retaliatory attack plan included a 'much broader counterattack on military targets,' including near Tehran. As widely reported, Israel abandoned its plans for an immediate response to the unprecedented direct attack by the Islamic Republic on April 13-14 after it became clear that most Iranian missiles and drones had been neutralized with the help of a U.S.-led coalition. A phone call that night between U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ultimately led to a 'less powerful' response amid intense diplomatic pressure to prevent escalation of direct hostilities. The New York Times narrative, citing Israeli and Western officials, also states that Israeli fighter jets fired 'a few missiles' from several hundred miles west of Iran and also launched small attack drones known as quadcopters 'to confuse Iran's air defenses.' According to the report, one missile struck an air defense battery in a strategically important area in central Iran - previous reports indicated that this target was part of the S-300 air defense system for the Natanz nuclear facility - while another missile exploded in mid-air. The New York Times, citing an Israeli official, stated that the second missile was destroyed by the air force 'when it became clear that the first missile had reached its target, to avoid causing significant damage.' The report also cited a Western official saying that the second missile may have 'simply malfunctioned.' The New York Times also claims that Israel initially planned the attack for Monday night, April 15, but changed the plan at the last minute for fear that Hezbollah might 'significantly increase the intensity of its attacks on northern Israel.' The report does not clarify whether this assessment changed before the attack on the night of Thursday-Friday. Israel has not officially claimed responsibility for this counterattack. In contrast, the Islamic Republic of Iran has downplayed the significance of this response and has not directly blamed Israel.