Israel sent a message to Iran an hour before it carried out strikes against Tehran’s military targets, warning it not to respond, US website Axios reported.
Three sources with knowledge of the matter said the purpose of the message was to avoid a response and a new round of attacks from Iran on Israel.
According to US and Israeli officials, three “waves” of airstrikes took place early Saturday. The first “wave” targeted the Iranian air defense system, and the first two targeted another missile and drone base, as well as weapons production facilities.
Israeli officials noted that the attacks were due to an Iranian ballistic missile attack on October 1. Israel’s message to Tehran was sent through third parties, Axios sources said.
“Israel has made it clear to Iran in advance what it will target and what it will not target,” one source said, while two others noted that Tel Aviv warned that if it responded, a more serious attack would follow, especially if there were Israeli civilians there. killed or injured.
Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has not commented on Axios’ claims. For its part, Tehran has said it does not want a general war with Israel, but will respond if attacked.
The US official emphasized that the US was not involved in the operation, but was ready to support Israel in the event of an Iranian response.