Netanyahu Planned Iran Attack, Trump Blocked It: Report

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the IDF to prepare for a multi-day bombing operation against Iran, including nuclear facilities, power plants, and regime targets, which was planned for October 10, according to a report in the British newspaper Financial Times. The attack was reportedly halted due to opposition from then-President Donald Trump, who wished to avoid escalating the conflict before the US midterm elections.

According to three sources familiar with the matter, the IDF prepared for an aerial campaign lasting several days, slated to commence on the weekend of October 10. The plan encompassed strikes on nuclear installations, sites associated with the Iranian regime, and civilian infrastructure such as power stations. The primary reason for the operation's postponement was Trump's objection to renewing hostilities before the US midterm elections on November 3. The US President was concerned about the potential impact of further military escalation on the economic situation and energy prices amid domestic political pressure.

Despite the postponement, both Netanyahu and Trump continued to threaten renewed military action against Iran. One source suggested that the possibility of Israel and the United States resuming strikes in the coming weeks remains open, stating, "Either there will be a deal or there will be an attack." The US administration reportedly seeks to secure agreements with Iran regarding its nuclear program and control over the Strait of Hormuz as part of a broader settlement.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth visited Israel on Monday and met with Netanyahu and other senior security officials. Israeli officials reportedly presented the Americans with an updated list of targets in Iran, based on recent intelligence. This list included civilian infrastructure not previously targeted. It remains unclear whether the US was intended to participate directly in the October operation or if Israel planned to lead it independently.

One source suggested the Israeli preparations might have also aimed to increase pressure on Tehran during negotiations, with the final decision hinging on the US President's stance. Deputy White House Spokesperson Anna Kelli stated that Iran is in a difficult economic and military position, and that US efforts to blockade Iranian ports and ensure oil transit through the Strait of Hormuz are proving effective. She reiterated that the US would not attack Iran before the midterm elections.

The report emerges as the IDF is on heightened alert for the upcoming Knesset elections on October 27. Leave for soldiers has been canceled from Thursday until after the elections to ensure the smooth and secure conduct of the vote, according to Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, citing security threats. Security officials have expressed concern that initiating a broad campaign close to the elections could impact their integrity and the subsequent government formation process.

Axios previously reported that Netanyahu and Trump had discussed resuming strikes in Iran before their respective elections, though a US official later denied such a conversation. The Prime Minister's office also denied at the time that Netanyahu sought to initiate a war before the elections. In a video released by Netanyahu from an air force base, he was heard telling Trump, "Donald, you said we have a job to finish, and we will finish it together." Trump responded, "You are a great fighter, and we will prove it very soon. You are the man I want by my side."