Netanyahu Planned Iran Attack, Trump Blocked It Before Midterms

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the IDF to prepare for a large-scale attack against Iran, scheduled for the weekend of October 10. The operation, which would have involved intense bombing of nuclear facilities, power plants, and regime targets, was ultimately halted due to US President Donald Trump's opposition to escalating conflict before the US midterm elections.

According to a report in the British newspaper Financial Times, citing three sources familiar with the matter, Israel had prepared for a multi-day aerial campaign. This campaign was intended to include unprecedented strikes against nuclear facilities, civilian infrastructure such as power plants, and sites associated with Iranian regime mechanisms, with a higher intensity than the joint Israeli-US operation in February. The decision stemmed from Trump's desire to avoid a broad escalation before the November 3 midterm elections, alongside extraordinary IDF preparations and ongoing diplomatic-security pressure from Jerusalem.

The operational plan developed by the IDF included several consecutive days of bombing against strategic targets deep within Iran. The scale and intensity of the planned operation were designed to exceed anything seen in the previous joint campaign. Although the October 10 operation was canceled due to Trump's refusal to initiate a new war before the midterms, Netanyahu has not abandoned the military option, and both leaders continue to project strong, combative messages toward Tehran.

It remains unclear whether US forces were intended to participate directly in the original operation or if it was an independent Israeli initiative. However, sources indicate that the possibility of both countries renewing military action remains tangible in the coming weeks, with one source stating, "Either there will be a deal, or there will be an attack." The primary US objective is reportedly to compel Iran to accept harsh terms for a comprehensive agreement regarding its nuclear program and control of shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz, with some military planning potentially serving as leverage in negotiations.

This revelation follows a visit to Israel by US Secretary of Defense the US Secretary of Defense, who held closed-door meetings with Netanyahu and senior security officials. During these discussions, Israeli officials presented their American counterparts with an updated list of targets in Iran, based on recent intelligence, including additional civilian infrastructure not previously targeted. This indicates that Israeli operational preparations are ongoing and continuously updated, even after the previous plan's postponement.

The White House, however, is adhering to a strict political timeline. Deputy White House Spokesperson Anna Kelly emphasized that Iran is currently at an unprecedented economic and military low due to combined US-Israeli pressure, and that the naval blockade and securing oil flow in the Strait of Hormuz are proving effective. Kelly unequivocally stated, "The United States will not attack Iran at any stage before the midterm elections," a statement that does not preclude renewed attacks immediately afterward.

Domestically, the IDF is on high alert, having canceled all leave for personnel from the upcoming Thursday until after the Knesset elections to ensure the security of the democratic process amidst security threats and fears of a sudden regional flare-up. Recently, Trump intensified his rhetoric, publicly supporting Netanyahu and warning Israelis against a change in leadership, stating that if the US is left alone against Iran, "he is not inclined to deal with it alone." He threatened that if Tehran does not change its ways immediately, "at a close point we will finish the job." This is underscored by a video Netanyahu released earlier this week from an air force base, in which he spoke live with Trump in front of a fighter jet, agreeing to "finish the job."