In a detailed assessment published Tuesday evening, Israel Hayom journalist Ariel Kahana reports that Trump rejected a Qatari 10-day ceasefire proposal, B-1 bombers took off from the UK, and Finance Minister Smotrich said Israel has no interest in joining the military campaign. Kahana notes growing signs of escalation and a dilemma for Netanyahu over a potential meeting with Trump.
Ariel Kahana's Tuesday evening assessment provides the most comprehensive public picture of the current US-Iran-Israel strategic triangle. The analyst notes that the prevailing assumption—that Trump would delay a major confrontation until after the midterms—is now in doubt as the U.S. has escalated strikes over the past week and a half, with Iran responding in kind.
The assessment comes hours after Trump pledged to strike the Iranian nuclear facility at Mount Makosh, as The Zioneer reported earlier Tuesday. Kahana reports that Trump rejected a Qatari 10-day ceasefire proposal, and that B-1 bombers have taken off from the UK, though their target is unknown.
On the Israeli side, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that Israel has no interest in joining the campaign, suggesting the price of war is not justified unless it targets Iran's nuclear program. Kahana also notes that Israel is assumed to be behind the morning leak to the Wall Street Journal about Iran transferring centrifuges to Mount Kamush.
The analysis highlights a political dilemma for Prime Minister Netanyahu: while a meeting with Trump in Washington could be operationally valuable, it risks reigniting criticism that Israel dragged the U.S. into a failing war with Iran.
- StrongWhite House rejects Qatari ceasefire proposal, assessment weighs Israel's possible role
- StrongTrump rejects 10-day ceasefire proposal; Iran withholds acceptance
- StrongNetanyahu held overnight security consultation; Smotrich: Israel has no interest in US-Iran conflict
- StrongAriel Kahana: Emerging US-Iran deal gives Tehran cash, control over Lebanon
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