Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly asked U.S. President Donald Trump to attack Iran again as soon as the midterm elections end. Israeli media reported that President Trump showed a position of wanting to watch a bit longer the U.S.-Iran talks mediated by Qatar.
On the 27th (local time), people walk past a poster bearing photos of Israel Prime Minister and Likud leader Netanyahu Benjamin and U.S. President Donald Trump in downtown Jerusalem, where Israel holds its general election./Courtesy of Yonhap News
According to Israel’s Channel 12 on the 1st (local time), Prime Minister Netanyahu, during a call with President Trump the previous day, urged that attacks on Iran be resumed immediately after the U.S. midterm elections on the 3rd. The broadcaster, citing U.S. and Israeli sources, said the two leaders had a sharp exchange over the U.S.-Iran negotiations.
Prime Minister Netanyahu was concerned that continued negotiations would make it harder to pressure Iran. By contrast, President Trump wanted to give the talks more time and, in the meantime, wanted Israel not to interfere with U.S. diplomatic efforts, the broadcaster said.
According to Channel 12, Qatar, the mediator, held talks with the Iranian side in Doha for three consecutive days. Qatar is also in direct contact with figures close to President Trump, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner. Vice President Vance recently, at President Trump’s direction, reportedly attempted to reach out to Iran’s hard-line security chief to resume negotiations.
President Trump told reporters that day that he had “a good discussion” with Prime Minister Netanyahu on issues including Iran, but did not disclose specifics. The White House and the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office declined to comment on the Channel 12 report. While publicly hinting that he could attack Iran again, President Trump is also seeking negotiations by engaging with the Iranian side.
Meanwhile, in the Israeli general election held on the 27th of last month, the Likud party led by Prime Minister Netanyahu became the largest party in the Knesset. However, the pro-Netanyahu camp secured 53 of the 120 seats in total, falling short of a majority. The anti-Netanyahu Zionist parties, which won 48 seats, are discussing forming a coalition government with Arab parties that secured 19 seats.
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