That said, officially, Israel will not accept responsibility for this attack for strategic reasons. Sources explain that the Iranians claim it was an “explosion at a factory” because they wish to avoid escalation. Israeli sources told the Post that it's unclear why the Pentagon disclosed to the American media that Israel was involved; they could have remained silent, they say. They could have preserved Iran's dignity and avoided escalating the situation on their own. ....

A senior US official also confirmed this on Friday morning of the attack, stating that "We were not surprised," while also telling Walla that Israel informed the US in advance of the strike.