"Israel decides to target Iran for retaliation"... "will carry out before the U.S. war"

Israeli media reported on the 16th local time that Israel, which has been struggling with how and when to retaliate against Iran's ballistic missile attacks, has decided on the target of the attack.

The Times of Israel, citing local broadcaster Channel 12 News, reported that Israeli forces had decided on targets to attack in Iran.

The Israeli military reportedly wrapped up preparations for retaliation, including "sensitive cooperation" with other countries in the region, and presented a list of targets to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Galant.

Israeli public broadcaster Khan said Israel had outlined plans for a general attack on the United States, but had not yet updated any specific targets.

"The target may change at the last minute," a source familiar with the matter said.

CNN reported, citing US officials, that Israel's retaliatory attacks on Iran are expected to take place as early as this month before the US presidential election.

Officials say Israel's timetable and parameters for retaliation against Iran are the subject of intense debate within the Israeli government, and say they are not directly related to the timing of the U.S. presidential election.