Defense Minister: Iran attempting to influence Israeli elections

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Trump recently discussed the potential for launching a major new operation against Iran before their respective elections, according to multiple sources. Netanyahu expressed concern over intelligence suggesting Iran was reconstituting its nuclear program. The Israeli leader and Trump spoke several times over the past two weeks about a possible joint U.S.-Israeli military strike targeting military and nuclear facilities in Iran.

While Trump initially seemed inclined to resume combat operations, he has since expressed reluctance to commit to any specific timeline for a strike before the midterms. Netanyahu has been seeking Trump's approval to proceed with operations, but the White House has rejected claims that the President and Netanyahu discussed resuming the war.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and U.S. Central Command leadership remain strong advocates for renewed strikes, while most of Trump's other advisers favor maintaining economic sanctions. Resuming combat operations in Iran would have significant political consequences for both leaders, potentially affecting their electoral prospects.

Netanyahu has argued that a strike could be a strategic move to bolster his image as a wartime leader, but critics contend it could erode public trust in the military and be perceived as a political ploy. Meanwhile, U.S. counterproposals to end the war are still being negotiated with Qatari mediators, with no immediate resolution in sight.