The U.S. is hoping for a measured reaction, but it has limited ability to influence its closest Middle East ally
As Israel weighs how to respond to Tehran’s latest missile barrage, it could take a page from its previous playbook when, after days of deliberation, its military targeted a single Iranian military site.
Few expect Israel’s response to be as narrow this time, posing a fresh test as the Biden administration seeks to avoid a new spiral of escalation.
“The U.S. already lacks sufficient diplomatic leverage to compel a cease-fire in Gaza and Lebanon,” said Jonathan Panikoff, a former U.S. intelligence officer now with the Atlantic Council, a Washington-based think tank.
