US Request for Independent Strike
The Israeli daily Maariv reported that Washington urged Israel during the past two weeks to launch an independent strike against Iran. The request was reportedly based on assessments that such a move would limit the political cost for US President Donald Trump ahead of the midterm congressional elections scheduled for November 3.
According to the report, the US believed that an Israeli-led operation would serve Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s interests before Israel’s general election on October 27. Conversely, a direct US attack prior to the American midterms was viewed as potentially damaging to Trump’s political standing. The proposal emerged amid reports that Iran is rapidly rebuilding its capabilities in producing drones and ballistic missiles.
Military Chief’s Warning Leads to US Retreat
Maariv cited unnamed sources stating that Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir informed the American side that launching such an attack could result in the postponement of Israel’s upcoming elections. This warning prompted Washington to retract its request for an independent Israeli offensive.
The newspaper added that Netanyahu’s agenda over the last week had been heavily focused on security matters. He engaged in several sensitive conversations, though specific details were not provided. Meanwhile, Channel 13, an Israeli private broadcaster, noted that alert levels remain high despite Trump’s stated reluctance to resume combat with Iran.
Ongoing Military Preparations
Estimates within the Israeli Defense Forces suggest that Washington may eventually seek to restart hostilities against Iran. Consequently, the military is preparing for potential Iranian retaliation scenarios, including the possibility of an attack coinciding with the eve of Israel’s elections.
Separately, the New York Times reported on Thursday evening that US security establishment plans include scenarios for striking Iran, despite Trump’s public declarations against resuming fighting before the midterms. US officials told the newspaper that three aircraft carriers are soon to arrive in the Middle East. The Pentagon has developed plans for a three-day military campaign targeting drone and missile storage facilities, energy infrastructure, and other military sites.
Five proposals for attacks on Iran and Houthi targets in Yemen were presented to Trump, who rejected all of them according to the officials cited by the New York Times.
