Israel Seeks US Approval for Strikes on Iranian Energy Facilities Amid Threats of Severe Retaliation

Israeli media reported on Sunday that Israel is preparing a "harsh and decisive" response to Iran following missile launches towards its territory. Reports also revealed communications between the Israeli government and the administration of US President Donald Trump seeking authorization to strike Iranian energy installations.

The Hebrew newspaper Maariv cited an Israeli source indicating that the Israeli government contacted the Trump administration to obtain a green light for targeting Iranian energy sites after Tehran fired missiles at Israel.

In a related development, the Hebrew daily Yedioth Ahronoth quoted an Israeli official stating that Iran "can forget about containment policy," emphasizing that Israel's response would be "harsh and decisive."

Additionally, Israeli media noted that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is convening a security consultation meeting to discuss the unfolding situation.

Separately, a senior US official told Israel's Channel 12 that Hezbollah faces a choice between continuing a "futile war" or allowing the return of displaced persons and Lebanon's reconstruction. The official held Hezbollah responsible for any ongoing hostilities and reaffirmed Washington's support for both Israel and the Lebanese government.

Earlier on Sunday, the Israeli military reported detecting a second salvo of missiles launched from Iran towards Israel, noting that it intercepted four missiles from the initial volley.

Explosions were heard in central Israel following the Iranian missile launches, which came in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut.

The Israeli military confirmed that its air force is actively intercepting threats and conducting strikes to eliminate any danger. Hebrew media also reported that missile debris fell in the Tiberias area after an Iranian missile was intercepted.

Concurrently, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir commented on the Iranian attacks, stating, "Tehran must burn tonight."

The Israeli military announced on Sunday that it is preparing for the possibility of incoming fire towards Israeli territory in the coming hours following its airstrike in Beirut.

The military confirmed it has reinforced its defense systems and is "in a state of readiness and alert for a wide range of defensive and offensive scenarios," alluding to potential retaliatory attacks from Iran and Hezbollah in response to the targeting of Beirut's southern suburbs.

In this context, Chief of Staff General Eyal Zamir and army commanders are currently conducting "continuous assessments of the situation and closely monitoring developments," according to the statement.

The Israeli military urged residents of the northern region to "remain vigilant, act responsibly, and comply with instructions from the Home Front Command, which are being updated continuously."

Israel has intensified its operations against Hezbollah on multiple fronts. On Sunday afternoon, the Israeli Air Force carried out a precise strike in the southern suburbs of Beirut, destroying an apartment where mid-level Hezbollah members were gathering.