Israel Prepared Iran Strike But Was Stopped by Trump Ahead of US Elections
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the IDF to prepare for a large-scale strike against Iran, but US President Donald Trump blocked the operation due to upcoming US midterm elections. The Israeli military had prepared a multi-day air campaign targeting Iranian infrastructure, intended for early October. Despite the postponement, the possibility of future strikes remains under consideration by both nations. Leave was canceled for IDF soldiers until after Israel's general elections on October 27 to ensure security.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered IDF preparations for a major strike against Iran.
- US President Trump opposed the Iran strike due to upcoming US midterm elections.
- The planned Israeli strike was set to target Iranian civilian infrastructure.
- Leave was canceled for IDF soldiers until after Israel's October 27 elections.
- The possibility of future strikes against Iran remains under consideration.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushed for renewed military action against Iran and ordered the IDF to prepare for a broad offensive, but US President Donald Trump opposed the timing due to upcoming midterm elections, according to a report in the Financial Times citing three sources familiar with the matter. The Israeli military had prepared a multi-day air campaign, intended to launch around October 10, targeting civilian infrastructure including power plants, nuclear facilities, and sites linked to the Iranian regime. The plan was halted primarily because of Trump's opposition, as he stated publicly on October 8 that the US would not attack Iran before the November 3 midterm elections and that negotiations with Tehran were ongoing.
This report follows earlier information from Axios suggesting Netanyahu had discussed resuming strikes with Trump amid Israeli concerns about Iran's potential to restart its nuclear program, specifically at the underground "Pickaxe Mountain" enrichment site. Despite the postponement, the possibility of renewed attacks remains under consideration. Netanyahu and Trump continue to issue threats against the Iranian regime, while their militaries remain prepared for a potential shift in policy.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly told the Financial Times that Iran is in a difficult economic and military position, and that US pressure on its ports and efforts to maintain oil exports are proving effective. She reiterated the administration's stance against attacking Iran before the midterms. Meanwhile, the IDF is on heightened alert, with leave canceled for all soldiers from Thursday until after Israel's general elections on October 27. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir explained this measure is to ensure the safe and timely conduct of the elections.
The Prime Minister's office did not comment on the report. It remains unclear if or when Israel and the US will decide to resume strikes, but the reports indicate that the option of further action against Iran is still being evaluated at senior levels.
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