Trump Denied Netanyahu Green Light for Iran Attack Due to Elections
Translated & summarized from Arab48 by baba
Israeli security sources claim Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought a joint attack on Iran with then-President Donald Trump before U.S. elections, but Trump withheld approval. The Israeli Army Chief of Staff reportedly warned Trump that an attack could disrupt Israeli elections. Israel has postponed immediate strike plans but is preparing for potential joint operations with the U.S. after the American midterm elections, while Netanyahu has publicly stated his goal is to overthrow the Iranian regime.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Benjamin Netanyahu sought a joint attack on Iran with Donald Trump before U.S. elections, but was denied approval.
- An Israeli military chief warned that an attack on Iran could disrupt Israeli elections, contributing to the delay.
- Israel has postponed immediate plans for strikes against Iran but is preparing for potential joint operations with the U.S.
- Israel needs U.S. missile defense support due to strained defensive stockpiles and expected retaliation.
- U.S. intelligence suggests Netanyahu's goals in Iran lack strategic clarity beyond weakening the regime.
- Netanyahu has publicly stated his directive is to work towards overthrowing the Iranian regime.
Israeli security sources revealed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought to persuade then-U.S. President Donald Trump to launch a joint attack on Iran before the U.S. elections, but Trump did not grant approval. According to a security source cited by CNN, one reason for Trump's hesitation was that Israeli Army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir informed U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Cain that such an attack would harm the Israeli elections and potentially lead to their postponement.
Another source familiar with the matter stated that Israel had been preparing for potential further attacks against Iran in the week prior, urging U.S. officials to support and participate in these strikes. However, senior U.S. officials, including Trump, advised Israel to wait, while suggesting that joint operations could occur soon. All sources speaking to CNN indicated that Israel likely postponed its immediate plans for further strikes but is preparing for potential joint operations with the U.S. after the American midterm elections.
The informed source added that Israel appeared amenable to delaying new strikes against Iran, partly due to its need for U.S. support in missile defense. Iran and the Houthi group are expected to retaliate against any attack, and Israel's defensive stockpiles are already strained by the ongoing war.
Recent U.S. intelligence assessments suggest that Netanyahu and his allies lack a clear strategic objective beyond demonstrating progress and further weakening the Iranian regime, according to one source privy to the reports. The source also noted that "plans are ready and awaiting Trump's approval, and it could happen after the midterm elections." Netanyahu himself stated this week during an Israeli military graduation ceremony that his directives to the army, Mossad, and other security agencies are to work towards overthrowing the Iranian regime.
Mentioned
