A senior Israeli official briefed political correspondents in Washington, stating that the decision to strike Iran is in President Trump's hands, and that all options — from an agreement to a massive military strike — remain on the table. The official also said that Israel aims to end its dependence on US security aid within a decade, transitioning from a recipient to a partner. On the domestic front, the official addressed the controversy over a Likud video targeting former minister Gadi Eisenkot, saying Netanyahu did not view the video and that bereavement should not be used in public discourse.
A senior Israeli diplomatic official, speaking with political correspondents in Washington on Wednesday, outlined Israel's position on the Iran nuclear standoff, the state of US-Israel relations, and the domestic political controversy surrounding a Likud campaign video. The briefing provides the clearest indication yet of the Israeli government's current posture as it awaits President Trump's decision on military action against Iran.
According to the official, the decision on whether to strike Iran rests with President Trump. 'The determination on an attack on Iran is in Trump's hands, we are waiting for his decision,' the official said. The official emphasized that all options are on the table, from a diplomatic agreement to a massive military strike, and that the economic pressure on Iran is already weighing on the regime. The official added that the decision to act militarily lies with the US president 'unless Iran chooses to attack Israel.'
In a separate but significant policy statement, the official said that Israel aspires to end its dependence on US security assistance within a decade. Prime Minister Netanyahu presented President Trump with a goal of reducing American security aid to zero over ten years, moving from a model of aid to a model of partnership while building broad domestic arms manufacturing independence. The official assessed that the Israeli economy can sustain such a move.
On the domestic front, the official addressed the controversy over a Likud campaign video targeting former IDF chief of staff and former minister Gadi Eisenkot, which drew widespread public criticism. The official said Netanyahu did not view the video but heard about the reactions it generated, and that the prime minister's position is that bereavement should not be used in the public arena. The official also noted that death threats against Netanyahu and his family do not receive sufficient attention, and criticized the Israeli media for what he described as a double standard.
The briefing comes amid a complex diplomatic backdrop. As The Zioneer has reported in recent weeks, the Trump administration has been pursuing a dual-track approach of military pressure and diplomatic negotiations with Iran, with President Trump warning of 'massive action' if talks fail while also signaling willingness to reach a deal. The Israeli government has been closely coordinating with Washington, with the prime minister's recent meetings in the US focusing on the three alternatives: an agreement, continued economic pressure, or a large-scale military strike.
6 developments
- StrongIsraeli security sources: Iran leadership debating strike after Khamenei disappearance, Larijani killing
- DevelopingYoni Ben Menachem: Mojtaba Khamenei alive and in Iran, cabinet ministers informed
- StrongIsraeli security source: Iran plotted to assassinate Israeli figures in Tel Aviv; Khamenei not in Iran
- StrongIran's supreme leader likely to skip father's funeral, citing security fears
Source and signal
- Open-source intake