The American New York Times reported that the Israeli attack on Iran in the first version included a much wider range of missile strikes, but that this plan was eventually abandoned.
According to the New York Times, which refers to three Israeli sources, the attack was supposed to include targets close to Tehran.
“Such a broad and damaging attack would be far more difficult for Iran to predict, but would increase the chances of a strong Iranian counterattack,” the newspaper said.
However, Israel opted for a less forceful response due to great diplomatic pressure to avoid further escalation of the conflict.
“Israel fired a small number of missiles from aircraft stationed hundreds of kilometers west of Iran and also launched small attack drones known as quadcopters to confuse Iranian air defenses,” it said.
According to the report, one missile hit anti-aircraft defenses in a strategically important part of central Iran.
“Israel did not officially admit responsibility for the counterstrike, although several Israeli officials hinted that they had done so. Iran played down the significance of Tel Aviv’s response and did not directly blame Israel, which can be interpreted as Iran’s lack of will to respond to this act,” explains the analysis of the American newspaper.
Also, it is stated that Israel originally scheduled the attack for April 15th.
“However, they withdrew the decision at the last minute out of fear that Hezbollah could significantly increase the intensity of its attacks on the northern part of Israel,” the New York Times points out.
