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Israel had spent the past week lobbying the US to back, and potentially join, Israeli strikes on Iran. Trump and other senior US officials asked Israel to hold off.
US President Donald Trump with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly pressed US President Donald Trump to support a joint strike on Iran before Israel’s October 27 elections, but Washington asked him to wait until it was ready for military action, CNN reported, citing two US officials and an Israeli security source.
“Netanyahu really wanted and tried to convince Trump for a joint attack in Iran before the elections, and Trump did not give a green light,” the Israeli source told CNN.
Another source briefed on the matter said Israel had spent the past week lobbying the US to back, and potentially join, Israeli strikes on Iran. Trump and other senior US officials asked Israel to hold off, the source said, while indicating that Washington would agree to joint operations soon.
However, Netanyahu’s office rejected the report, describing it as “fake news”, without providing further details.
Could Iran Strike Affect Israel Elections?
The reported push for military action comes just days before Israelis head to the polls on October 27. According to the Israeli source cited by CNN, one reason Trump did not approve an immediate strike was a warning from Israel Defence Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir that an attack could postpone the Knesset election.
Israel also agreed to Washington’s request to wait amid concerns over missile defence and the need for US support if Iran, and potentially Yemen’s Houthi rebels, launched missiles at Israel.
At A Glance
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly pressed US President Donald Trump for a joint strike on Iran before Israel’s October 27 elections.
Netanyahu’s office rejected CNN’s report regarding the pressure for military action as fake news.
IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir warned that an attack could postpone the Knesset election.
US President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum to Iran on Saturday demanding a deal or facing renewed military action.
Separately, Israeli broadcaster Channel 12 reported on Monday that Netanyahu and Zamir had recently clashed over an instruction from the prime minister for unspecified military action. Defence officials reportedly believed the move could trigger a rapid confrontation with Iran shortly before the election.
Netanyahu denied that account, according to the report.
Trump’s Latest Warning To Iran
The developments come as Trump has renewed pressure on Tehran to reach an agreement or face fresh US military action.
On Saturday, the US president issued an ultimatum to Iran, demanding a deal and warning of renewed military action if an agreement was not reached. On Sunday, however, Trump said he had ruled out an immediate strike.
Despite that statement, officials have indicated that major military operations could be launched within 96 hours of an order.
The reported delay in a possible joint operation does not rule out future military action. According to the sources cited by CNN, Washington’s position was that Israel should wait until the US was ready, with senior American officials indicating that joint operations could take place soon.
With the Israeli election approaching, the reported discussions over a possible strike have brought together questions of military coordination, missile defence and the timing of the vote.
Quick Answers
Ask News18No, US President Donald Trump did not give a green light for an immediate joint attack and asked Israel to wait until Washington was ready for military action.
Ask News18About the Author
Shuddhanta Patra is an Indian journalist with about nine years of experience in covering national politics, geopolitics, defence, diplomacy and international affairs. Her reporting focuses on South As…Read More
October 26, 2026, 5:34 PM IST
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