Avoiding All-Out War: The Calculus Behind Israel's Attack

Israel on October 26 struck military targets deep inside Iranian territory, but the extent of its promised attack was more calibrated than many feared. The region has been on edge since October 1, after Israel promised that Iran "will pay" for launching its largest-ever direct attack -- almost 200 ballistic missiles in all -- on its archfoe. The main concern was whether Israel would strike Iranian nuclear facilities or energy infrastructure, each carrying its own risks. Ali Vaez, director of the Iran Project at the International Crisis Group, told…