Netanyahu Awaits Trump Decision on Possible Military Strike Against Iran

Following his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that their shared goal is achieving the desired outcome regarding Iran's nuclear program, not necessarily advancing any specific military action. A senior Israeli official stated on Wednesday that the decision to undertake military action rests solely with Trump unless Iran initiates an attack on Israel. The official stressed that "there are no free attacks," and Iran understands Israel will respond if attacked.

The main focus of Netanyahu's discussion with Trump was evaluating three options toward Iran: reaching an agreement, continuing economic pressure, or launching a large-scale military strike. The talks involved an open and thorough examination of the pros and cons of each path without preemptively favoring any option. Economic sanctions are already significantly impacting the Iranian regime, but military action remains a possibility.

Regarding a Likud party video criticizing former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, the official said Netanyahu had not watched it but was aware of the public reactions it sparked. Netanyahu's position is that public discourse should avoid exploiting personal tragedies, and he noted that death threats against him and his family have not received adequate attention. The official added that Netanyahu presented Trump with a goal to reduce U.S. military aid to Israel to zero within ten years, aiming to shift from a model of aid to one of partnership by developing broad Israeli defense self-sufficiency. It was assessed that Israel's economy can support this transition.