Netanyahu Discussed Iran Attack With Trump Before Israeli Elections

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly discussed with U.S. President Donald Trump the possibility of resuming military operations against Iran, including strikes on nuclear and military facilities, before the Israeli elections scheduled for October 27. Israeli security officials have expressed concerns that such a conflict could impact the election date and public trust in the military. Israeli Channel 12 reported that Netanyahu held several conversations with Trump over the past two weeks regarding renewed large-scale military actions against Iran. U.S. officials reportedly came away with the impression that Netanyahu desired to carry out attacks before the elections, citing perceived alarming Iranian nuclear developments.

According to a U.S. official, Netanyahu raised the issue multiple times with Trump, who responded, "Okay, you know what, Netanyahu? Go ahead and prepare," without committing to an operation. The official noted that Trump's statement could imply immediate action, later action, or no action at all. Conversely, Netanyahu informed Israeli security leaders that Trump initiated the discussion about resuming hostilities before the elections and asked about Israel's potential participation, according to an Israeli official speaking to the channel.

The prospect of renewed conflict has raised fears of its impact on both the Israeli elections and the U.S. midterm elections on November 3, especially given assessments that Iran might retaliate with ballistic missile strikes on Israel. Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir reportedly discussed the possibility of renewed conflict with U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Kimm last week, warning that an attack during this period could lead to the postponement of Israeli elections due to the anticipated scale of Iranian missile retaliation. Zamir also faces concerns that launching a war before the elections could be perceived by the Israeli public as a political maneuver by Netanyahu, potentially undermining confidence in the non-partisan military.

The White House is reportedly aware of the political considerations behind Netanyahu's actions, with one U.S. official suggesting Netanyahu sees his strength in leading during wartime, especially with elections approaching. Trump's stance on the matter has been described as fluctuating, initially appearing inclined to approve operations before his enthusiasm waned. Despite Trump telling Netanyahu he would not attack Iran before the Israeli elections, the Israeli military and U.S. Central Command remain on high alert, preparing for a potential shift in the U.S. President's position.

Within the U.S. administration, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and U.S. Central Command are reportedly among the strongest proponents of renewed military operations against Iran. However, most of Trump's advisors favor continuing economic sanctions and pressure, believing it to be more effective than military action. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts with Iran remain stalled, with Qatari mediators awaiting Iran's response to recent U.S. proposals. A U.S. official stated that negotiations are neither dead nor fully alive, with increased pressure being applied in hopes that more moderate elements in Iran will prevail.

Netanyahu's office denied reports that the prime minister was pushing Trump to attack Iran before the Israeli elections, stating that the prime minister engages in ongoing dialogue with Trump and senior U.S. administration officials but does not discuss the content of their conversations.