Biden signals opposition to possible Israeli strikes on Iran's oil facilities

• Israeli officials told Axios on Tuesday that Israel will launch a "significant retaliation" to Iran's massive missile attack within days that could target oil production facilities inside Iran and other strategic sites.
• The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corp deputy commander Ali Fadavi on Friday said Iran will target Israeli energy and gas installations if Israel attack oil facilities in Iran.

Driving the news: In the days since the attack, oil prices went up in what was the biggest weekly gain in two years.

• Biden on Wednesday said he opposes an Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear facilities. On Friday he went further in drawing his limits when it comes to the Israeli response.
• "The Israelis have not concluded what they are going to do. That's under discussion. If I were in their shoes, I would be thinking about other alternatives than striking Iranian oil fields," Biden said in a press conference at the White House.
• He added that Israel has the right to respond to the Iranian attack but stressed it needs to avoid hitting civilians.

• Biden said the Israelis are not making a decision immediately, partially because of the high holidays.

The big picture: Biden was asked whether he thought Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not moving forward with a Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal because he wants to help former President Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential elections.

• "No U.S. administration has helped Israel more than I have. None. None. None. I think Bibi should remember that. Whether he is trying to influence the elections or not, I don't know, but I am not counting on that," Biden said.