Israel and US Await Green Light as Tensions with Iran Escalate

In a new episode of the current affairs podcast "To the Edge" released on Tuesday, Keren Neubach hosted military and security correspondent Itay Blumental and political reporter Gili Cohen to outline the developments leading to the current state of conflict with Iran. Cohen noted that in Israel it is openly acknowledged that former US President Donald Trump seeks to strengthen his negotiating position by maintaining leverage over Iran, but so far the US has failed to impose its will on Tehran.

The discussion took place against the backdrop of a meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Trump, with Israel preparing for the possibility of another round of hostilities with Iran. Cohen remarked that there were moments in recent months when Israel believed it had received the "green light" from Trump to act militarily, but that authorization was never granted. She added that Trump appears to be giving diplomacy another chance, though his stance can change unpredictably.

Blumental explained the American perspective on the ongoing conflict, emphasizing US frustration over the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. He detailed that the US has conducted near-nightly strikes in Iran, mainly around the strait, and anticipates future attacks possibly extending beyond that area, including potentially in Tehran. The US goal is to bring Iran to the negotiating table with the understanding that without abandoning its nuclear program, Iran’s situation will worsen, and to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The core objective of the joint Israeli-American campaign remains Iran’s nuclear issue, as Iran currently possesses enriched nuclear material. Israel wishes to renew the confrontation, but the US prefers to avoid direct Israeli involvement to prevent regional escalation. Cohen highlighted that any direct conflict would deeply affect Israeli society, disrupting daily life and resembling a "mowing the lawn" approach to Iranian capabilities, similar to Israel’s operations against terrorism in Gaza and the West Bank.

The podcast also touched on the seriousness of ongoing negotiations with Iran and the new threats posed by Tehran despite a temporary halt in attacks, which is causing concern within the US administration. Netanyahu’s upcoming visit to Trump underscores the critical nature of these developments.