Is Netanyahu urging Trump to strike Iran before US, Israel polls? What new report reveals

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump discussed a potential joint military operation against Iran before both nations' respective elections, according to an Axios report. The conversation took place last week, prior to Trump's statement that the US would not strike Iran before the midterm elections. Netanyahu raised concerns about Iran's efforts to revive its nuclear program, specifically referencing the threat of the country operating a uranium enrichment site at Pickaxe Mountain.

Netanyahu had several phone calls with Trump over the past two weeks to discuss the possibility of resuming major combat operations against Iran, citing Israeli intelligence reports. However, the White House disputed the assertions made in the report, claiming that Trump had explicitly stated he would not launch an attack on Iran before the midterm elections. Netanyahu's office confirmed regular communication between the two leaders but avoided commenting on the specifics of their discussions.

Trump seemed initially inclined to resume military strikes against Iran but later became hesitant, according to the report. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Central Command were reportedly the most supportive of renewed strikes, while most of Trump's advisers favored maintaining economic sanctions and other forms of pressure. Some of Trump's senior cabinet members met at Camp David on October 2 to discuss next steps, but uncertainty remains over the decision.

The potential military campaign could have significant ramifications for both leaders ahead of their respective elections, with Iran threatening retaliation that could disrupt the Israeli election process. Israeli military chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir expressed concerns about the possibility of resuming full-scale fighting within the next three weeks, which could lead to Israeli elections being postponed due to Iranian retaliation.

However, the White House was aware of Netanyahu's domestic political calculations, recognizing his belief that wartime leadership is a strength.