Israeli PM and Biden Discuss Iran Options; Military Strike Decision Lies With U.S. President

A senior diplomatic source revealed that the recent meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Joe Biden focused on evaluating three main strategies regarding Iran: diplomacy, increased sanctions, or a large-scale military operation. The primary goal emphasized was to prevent Iran's nuclear threat rather than the immediate implementation of any military action against Tehran.

The source clarified that the decision to carry out a military strike rests solely with the U.S. president, unless Iran initiates an attack on Israel, in which case Israel would respond. The leaders engaged in an open discussion weighing the pros and cons of each approach. It was noted that Iran has moved centrifuges to the Mount Mokh area, but there is no confirmation of uranium enrichment occurring there. Additionally, Israeli intelligence assesses that Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is still alive.

On the strategic security front, Netanyahu presented Biden with a plan to gradually reduce U.S. military aid to Israel over the next decade, aiming to transition from current support to a model of mutual cooperation while expanding Israel's independent defense production capabilities.

The source also addressed the public controversy sparked by a Likud party video targeting former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot. Although Netanyahu did not watch the video, he was briefed on the reactions and believes it is appropriate to avoid politicizing national tragedies. Furthermore, the source criticized media coverage of death threats against Netanyahu and his family, stating that if the roles were reversed, the country would be paralyzed.