Netanyahu Pushed Trump for Iran Strike Before Israeli Elections

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held multiple conversations with U.S. President Donald Trump in the two weeks leading up to Israel's October 27 elections, discussing the possibility of resuming large-scale military operations against Iran. Netanyahu reportedly advocated for a new military operation before the vote, citing Iran's concerning nuclear advancements as a key argument, according to Channel 12. The discussions involved a potential joint operation targeting Iran's military and nuclear facilities, as reported by Israeli journalist Barak Ravid, citing American and Israeli officials.

Initially, Trump appeared receptive to Netanyahu's proposal, with one senior Israeli source suggesting Trump gave Netanyahu "the green light." However, Trump's enthusiasm reportedly cooled, and his position on the matter fluctuated, according to a U.S. official. Conversely, an Israeli source claimed Netanyahu told security chiefs that Trump initiated the war discussions and inquired about Israel's participation.

The Prime Minister's office denied Netanyahu was pushing for strikes before the election, stating only that the Prime Minister maintains a constant dialogue with President Trump and senior U.S. administration officials, without commenting on the content of their conversations. The White House declined to comment.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon has instructed U.S. Central Command to finalize preparations for potential large-scale combat operations against Iran, with possible targets including energy, infrastructure, and nuclear sites. Despite these preparations, no final decision has been made. President Trump stated on October 8 that the U.S. would not attack Iran before the November 3 U.S. midterm elections and mentioned productive talks with Tehran. However, both U.S. and Israeli militaries continue to prepare for possible escalation.

Sources indicate that U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Central Command favor military action, while most of Trump's advisors prefer continued sanctions and economic pressure. The resumption of hostilities could significantly impact both the Israeli elections and the U.S. midterms, with Iran capable of retaliating with hundreds of ballistic missiles, potentially leading to voting postponements. Despite Trump's statement, the IDF and U.S. Central Command remain on high alert. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir reportedly warned his U.S. counterpart, General Dan Kain, that a new war could lead to election delays due to expected Iranian responses.

U.S. officials are also considering the political implications for Trump, as a new military campaign could affect oil prices and the domestic political landscape. One U.S. official noted that the White House is aware of Netanyahu's domestic calculations, suggesting the Israeli leader believes remaining prime minister during wartime enhances his strength. Qatari mediators are awaiting Iran's response to recent U.S. proposals, but progress in negotiations remains slow.