The Times of Israel Daily Briefing Did Israeli strikes on Iranian oil sites ignite schism with US?
12 snips
Mar 9, 2026 
Lazar Berman, diplomatic correspondent who covers Israel, Iran and Lebanon, breaks down tense regional moves. He explores Israel’s limited ground posture in southern Lebanon. He discusses strikes on Iranian oil sites and rising US-Israel tensions. He explains Iran’s strategy, Mojtaba Khamenei’s rise, and internal fissures in Tehran.
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Limited Ground Operations Target Hezbollah Commanders
- Israel is conducting limited ground activity in southern Lebanon focused on targeting Hezbollah commanders rather than seizing territory.
- Lazar Berman explains soldiers and tanks are positioned over the border to kill fighters and prevent strikes, not to mount a full maneuver up to the Litani River.
Iran's Strategy Is Economic and Political Pressure
- Iran's strikes aim less to destroy Israel and more to create economic and political pressure by targeting weaker Gulf states and energy infrastructure.
- Berman notes Tehran hopes rising oil prices and regional damage will push the U.S. electorate to pressure a U.S. halt to the war.
U.S. Concern Over Strikes On Iranian Oil Facilities
- Tension emerged between the U.S. and Israel over Israeli strikes on Iranian oil facilities because Washington feared wider economic fallout and political consequences.
- Berman cites Axios reporting that U.S. expected a more limited strike and worried the attacks could push Iranians toward the regime and alarm Gulf allies.