Israel believes that talks between Iran and the United States are likely to collapse, and the sides will fail to reach an agreement, according to an Israeli political source.
However, Israeli officials are finding it difficult to evaluate the implications that such a breakdown would have on the continuation of its military campaign, and whether U.S. President Donald Trump would remove the restrictions and allow extensive strikes on civilian infrastructure in Iran – even at the cost of significantly harming the Iranian population.
Israel has a bank of targets it is prepared to strike if Trump follows through on his threat and orders attacks on energy facilities and infrastructure.
According to an Israeli political source, Trump is interested in bringing the campaign to an end, and the extension of the ultimatum he gave Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz reflects his efforts to exhaust the diplomatic channel. The source added that Israel is also preparing for a scenario in which the current Iranian government agrees to show flexibility and reach a cease-fire agreement.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signaled on Saturday Israel’s willingness to intensify its strikes in Iran, when he took responsibility for the attack on petrochemical plants in a video, presenting it as part of a broader effort to inflict significant economic damage on the regime in Tehran.
Israel’s political leadership is closely monitoring U.S.-Iran talks.