US Urged Israel to Strike Iran Before Midterms, Report Says

The United States pressed Israel to conduct an independent strike against Iran before the US midterm elections, according to a report by journalist Ben Caspit for Maariv. A senior Israeli source described the US administration's stance as highly uncertain, with daily shifts in policy making serious planning impossible. The US specifically requested that Israel act alone, not in a joint operation.

This US demand presented a significant challenge for IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was reportedly not dismissing the possibility. Netanyahu had been holding security meetings and visiting sensitive military sites, considering a pre-election strike a real scenario if necessary. However, Zamir warned US officials that such an operation could lead to the postponement of Israeli elections, as previously reported by journalist Barak Ravid.

While the US has reportedly withdrawn its demand for now, internal disagreements persist within Israel's security leadership. Caspit suggests Zamir might be in the minority, as the heads of the Shin Bet, Mossad, and the National Security Council were recently appointed by Netanyahu and may align with his position. Concurrently, Israel has been preparing for potential escalation and direct confrontation with Iran.

Caspit explains the US's initial demand stemmed from Iran's rapid advancement in drone and ballistic missile production capabilities. The US administration allegedly sought to shift the political risks of an attack to Israel, shielding President Donald Trump from negative repercussions before the midterms. Washington reportedly hoped Israel would be more inclined to strike before its own elections, while a US military operation before the midterms could have harmed Trump's political standing.