Illustrative image. (Israeli Air Force)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has discussed renewed military action against Iran with United States President Donald Trump, with the forces of both countries reportedly preparing for a possible resumption of large-scale strikes, according to recent reports.
Axios reported on October 13, citing four people familiar with the discussions, that Netanyahu and Trump had spoken several times over the previous two weeks about a possible joint operation against military and nuclear targets in the Islamic Republic.
Netanyahu expressed concern that Iran was rebuilding its nuclear program, particularly at the potentially planned uranium-enrichment site at Pickaxe Mountain.
Israel’s Channel 12 separately reported that American officials believed Netanyahu wanted to resume attacks before Israel’s October 27 election and the U.S. midterm elections on November 3.
According to the network, Netanyahu told Israeli security chiefs that Trump had initiated the discussion and asked whether Israel would participate. An Israeli official said Trump initially appeared receptive to renewed strikes but subsequently became more hesitant.
Axios reported that Trump had told Netanyahu to prepare for a possible operation against Iran, without committing to authorize it.
The White House rejected the account that the two leaders had discussed resuming the war and said Trump would not attack Iran before the U.S. midterm elections. Still, Trump said on October 13 that his administration would make a decision on Iran soon.
The discussions have raised concerns within Israel’s military leadership about the domestic consequences of another war.
According to Axios, Israeli military chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir discussed with U.S. Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine the prospect of renewed fighting within three weeks. Zamir warned that an Iranian retaliation could force Israel to postpone its October 27 election.
Channel 12 also reported that Israeli security officials saw no change in their intelligence assessment of Iran that would justify a joint operation within the following two to three weeks.
The Wall Street Journal separately reported that Iran was reinforcing its nuclear and strategic facilities, mobilizing supporters and preparing for the possibility of renewed American attacks after the U.S. elections.
Iranian officials have warned of a broader regional escalation if the U.S. and Israel resume strikes, according to the newspaper.
In an interview with Israel’s Channel 14, Netanyahu made a separate allegation that Iran was attempting to organize an attack to influence Israel’s election, potentially through Hezbollah or Hamas. He also suggested that Iran could seek to provoke violence in the West Bank. The report did not provide independently verified evidence of the alleged plan.
In another interview with Army Radio, Netanyahu said a preemptive strike against Iran before Israel’s election was not advisable, describing the timing as inconvenient. He nevertheless warned that Israel would respond forcefully if Iran attacked.
He declined to discuss whether military action could follow the election, or to elaborate on his recent conversations with Trump.
All recent reports indicate that a decision to attack Iran again has likely been made. Only the timing and scale remain unclear. In any case, the Islamic Republic will likely strike back with full force against the interests of both countries across the Middle East.
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propaganda agents must be hard at work hollywood script writing emotional hasbara to gain public approval for this needless war. was hormuz wide open before the us and israel started this ? the loss of saudi oil income may have permanent cost.
does netanyahu need to find a way to postpone elections ?
it was inevitable.