Israel Pushes US for Military Action Against Iran, Seeks Talks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly urging U.S. President Donald Trump to resume military action against Iran, while Washington currently favors increased pressure and sanctions. Mossad chief Roman Hofmann traveled to the United States for meetings with senior officials in the Trump administration, including CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, according to American and Israeli sources cited by Israeli media. Hofmann's visit coincides with Netanyahu's diplomatic efforts to persuade Trump to initiate military operations against Iran, with sources in the U.S. indicating the Israeli leader is advocating for a forceful approach.

The meetings with Ratcliffe are taking place in Washington, with Hofmann expected to travel to Miami to meet Witkoff. Both the Mossad and CIA, along with the White House, have declined to comment on the reports. Trump, meanwhile, appears to be leaning towards economic sanctions and a naval blockade of Iranian ports, while leaving the door open for diplomatic solutions. A phone call between the leaders on November 5th did not result in Trump accepting Netanyahu's proposal for renewed military action.

Washington is coordinating its strategy with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, all of which support a pressure-based approach on Iran without immediate large-scale strikes. This diplomatic push occurs during a period of political transition in Israel. Netanyahu's parliamentary majority dissolved after an October 27th vote, and President Isaac Herzog has tasked Gadi Eisenkot with forming a new government. Netanyahu remains acting prime minister and retains control of security forces until coalition negotiations conclude. Eisenkot has previously cautioned Netanyahu against potentially dangerous and ill-timed military actions during this transition period and has requested regular security briefings.

Haaretz political commentator Amos Harel suggests that Netanyahu's desire to restart the war with Iran may be linked to his domestic political crisis, positing that the prime minister's efforts to stay in power could provoke escalations beyond Iran, including potential new outbreaks of violence in Judea and Samaria from both Arab and Jewish elements. Previously, Netanyahu and Hofmann reportedly briefed Eisenkot on intelligence concerning a potential military operation against Iran, information that might have altered Eisenkot's perception of the prime minister's motives. Reports also indicate that a planned operation against Iran by Israel and the U.S. prior to the October 27th elections was disrupted when details were accidentally leaked to the U.S., with senior security officials opposing the plan due to fears of significant escalation.