After Admiral Halsey's attack on the central Philippines, what was a key objective?

The key objective after Admiral Halsey’s attack on the central Philippines was to target the Philippines instead of Formosa. This decision reflected the strategic importance of the Philippines in the Pacific theater during World War II. The capture of the Philippines was crucial for the Allies as it would provide a critical base for future operations against Japanese-held territories and secure supply lines.

Targeting the Philippines allowed the Allies to establish military presence and support for continued offensives in the region. The liberation of the Philippines would also cut off Japanese access to vital resources and disrupt their supply routes, further weakening their position in the Pacific.

In contrast, while Leyte Island was indeed a significant site during the campaign, the broader strategic objective centered on the Philippines itself. Additionally, while Nimitz's plans involved various key locations in the Pacific, they were not directly tied to Halsey’s immediate objectives following the attack on the central Philippines. Thus, focusing on the Philippines as a primary target underscores its critical role in the dynamics of the Pacific War at that time.