Israel Keeps All Options Open on Iran After Netanyahu-Trump Meeting

Following a meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump, a senior Israeli official briefed reporters on key security and political issues, focusing primarily on Iran, the situation in the West Bank, and relations with the U.S. The official emphasized that Israel's main goal is to halt Iran's nuclear program rather than to push for a specific military action. The decision to undertake military action rests with the U.S. president unless Iran attacks Israel first. "There are no free attacks," the official said, noting that Iran understands Israel will respond to any aggression.

During the meeting, three main options regarding Tehran were discussed: reaching an agreement, continuing economic pressure, or launching a large-scale military strike. The official stated, "All options are on the table, from an agreement to a massive strike." He described Iran as currently weak and deterred from direct confrontation with Israel, aware that any attack would provoke a strong Israeli response. The Iranian nuclear project has suffered significant setbacks, including the assassination of about 20 nuclear scientists and damage to centrifuge and ballistic missile production capabilities. Nevertheless, Iran continues uranium enrichment at the Fordow facility. Iran is estimated to still possess approximately 1,500 to 1,600 ballistic missiles.

The official also confirmed that Mojtaba Khamenei is alive. Trump reportedly raised the issue of Netanyahu's ongoing trial during their discussion. Regarding the northern front, Netanyahu showed Trump maps illustrating Israel's limited presence in Syria, strictly for security purposes. On the Palestinian front, Israel is considering further military operations in West Bank refugee camps, with Netanyahu instructing the security establishment to prepare an operational plan.

Addressing controversy over a Likud video targeting former IDF Chief Gadi Eisenkot, the official said it is inappropriate to exploit bereavement for political purposes. Netanyahu did not watch the video but was aware of the criticism it sparked. The official also noted that death threats against Netanyahu and his family receive less media attention, warning that if the situation were reversed, the country would be paralyzed. Finally, the official revealed a strategic goal Netanyahu is promoting with the U.S. administration: ending Israel's reliance on American military aid within ten years by transitioning from aid to partnership, strengthening Israel's defense independence and arms industry, supported by the country's economic capacity.