Report: Israel Planned Iran Attack Last Month, Trump Blocked It
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Israel's military had prepared for a significant attack on Iranian civilian infrastructure, reportedly pushed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but the plan was blocked by President Donald Trump. The strikes were planned for early October but were halted due to US midterm elections. The IDF remained on high alert for weeks, with a new list of targets compiled, but all unit leaves were suspended ahead of the upcoming elections.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel planned a major attack on Iranian civilian infrastructure in early October.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly pushed for the strike against Iran.
- President Donald Trump opposed the attack, citing the upcoming US midterm elections.
- The IDF had compiled a new list of targets, including civilian sites.
- The IDF remained on high alert for weeks before suspending unit leaves for elections.
Israel's military prepared for a multi-day confrontation with Iran approximately a week and a half ago, targeting civilian infrastructure such as power plants and nuclear facilities, according to a report in the Financial Times. The plan, reportedly pushed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was ultimately halted due to President Donald Trump's opposition to renewing hostilities before the US midterm elections.
Citing three sources familiar with the matter, the British newspaper stated the strikes were scheduled for the weekend of October 10 and were intended to be more intense than those conducted during Operation "Desert Storm." One source indicated that the US and Israel might resume conflict with Iran in the coming weeks, stating, "There will be a deal or an attack." Another source noted that Israel had compiled a new list of targets, including previously unhit civilian sites, while a third suggested the plan was intended to pressure Iran during negotiations that are not currently active.
Deputy White House Spokesperson Anna Kli told the Financial Times that Iran is in a "very bad situation, both militarily and economically" and that the US "will not attack Iran before the midterm elections." Despite this, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) remained on high alert for several weeks. On Monday, the IDF announced a halt to all unit leaves starting the following day, in anticipation of the elections on Tuesday.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir emphasized the military's mission to ensure the democratic elections proceed "on time and safely." He also stressed that the IDF is at a high state of readiness and will continue to maintain vigilance across all fronts. Netanyahu's office did not respond to multiple requests for comment, and the Times reported that the IDF also declined to comment.
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