Netanyahu and Trump Discuss Potential Military Action Against Iran Ahead of Elections

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Trump discussed the possibility of launching a military operation against Iran prior to the upcoming Israeli and U.S. elections, according to two U.S. officials, one Israeli official, and a fourth source with knowledge of the matter.</p><ul><li>Netanyahu expressed concerns during the call regarding Israeli intelligence that indicated Iran was taking steps to reconstitute its nuclear program, according to the Israeli official.</li><li>The conversation occurred before Trump stated he would not strike Iran ahead of the midterm elections.</li></ul><p><strong>Why it matters:</strong> Resuming military operations in Iran could introduce a significant issue into the Israeli elections on October 27 and the U.S. midterms a week later.</p><hr /><ul><li>Despite this, Israeli and U.S. military forces remain on alert and are concluding preparations in case Trump decides to take action, sources reported.</li><li>A U.S. official noted, "Bibi seems to want to go in again. He has talked to the president about it a couple of times, and the president has said, 'Well, you know, Bibi, go ahead and get ready.' But there's really no commitment. 'Go ahead and get ready' is maybe now, maybe later, maybe never."</li><li>A White House official stated it is "false" that Trump and Netanyahu discussed resuming military action, asserting that the President has said there will be no attacks on Iran before the midterm elections.</li><li>Netanyahu's office indicated that he maintains regular contact with Trump and senior U.S. officials but does not comment on the specifics of their conversations.</li></ul><p><strong>Driving the news:</strong> Netanyahu has had multiple discussions with Trump over the past two weeks regarding a potential return to military operations in Iran.</p><ul><li>Sources indicated that Netanyahu and Trump discussed a possible joint U.S.-Israeli operation targeting military and nuclear sites.</li><li>Netanyahu raised concerns about actions Israel believes Iran is taking to rebuild its nuclear program.</li><li>Israel is particularly worried about Iran potentially using Pickaxe Mountain as a uranium enrichment site.</li><li>Trump's cabinet members met at Camp David on October 2 to discuss the situation and the possibility of resuming strikes.</li></ul><p><strong>Behind the scenes:</strong> An Israeli official stated Trump initially appeared inclined to resume attacks but later became more hesitant.</p><ul><li>A U.S. official noted that Trump has been fluctuating on the issue.</li><li>Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and U.S. Central Command leadership are reportedly strong proponents of resuming strikes in Iran, according to a source familiar with the discussions.</li><li>However, most of Trump's advisers advocate for maintaining economic sanctions and other forms of pressure for the time being.</li><li>One U.S. official remarked, "They claim this economic choking is working better and better. Let's keep it up."</li></ul><p><strong>Between the lines:</strong> Renewed military action could have significant political ramifications for both Netanyahu and Trump.</p><ul><li>Resuming military operations could dramatically impact the Israeli elections, as Iran would likely retaliate with missile strikes.</li><li>Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir discussed the possibility of resuming full-scale fighting against Iran within the next three weeks with Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine.</li><li>Zamir indicated that restarting the conflict within that timeframe could lead to the postponement of Israeli elections due to anticipated Iranian retaliation.</li><li>Caine's spokesman declined to comment.</li><li>This presents a dilemma for Zamir, as a strike before the elections could be perceived as a political maneuver by Netanyahu, potentially undermining public trust in the military, which is generally viewed as apolitical.</li></ul><p><strong>The intrigue:</strong> The White House is cognizant of Netanyahu's political considerations. One U.S. official stated, "Bibi's got an election before the midterms. He believes his strength is being a wartime prime minister."</p><ul><li>In recent meetings with his security and intelligence teams, Netanyahu claimed that it was Trump who initiated discussions about a potential strike on Iran before the elections, according to an Israeli official. Trump reportedly asked Netanyahu if Israel would participate.</li><li>Resuming military action before the U.S. elections could negatively impact Trump by reminding voters of the unpopular conflict and potentially increasing gas prices.</li></ul><p><strong>The big picture:</strong> Qatari mediators are awaiting Iran's response to the latest U.S. counterproposal aimed at ending the conflict, which includes demands for nuclear concessions.</p><ul><li>One U.S. official stated, "The negotiations are not really dead, but they're not really alive. We're just here, piling on the pressure and there's a belief that smarter heads will prevail over there."</li><li>The official added, "The Iranians thought this president would back down because of the pressure and the midterms. He has shown them the error of their ways."</li><li>Trump reiterated on Tuesday that "Iran is a failed country" and stated, "we will make a decision on Iran very soon."</li></ul>