Wed 14 October 2026:
US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the possibility of a major new military operation against Iran before elections in Israel and the United States, Axios reported Tuesday, citing two US officials, an Israeli official and another source familiar with the matter.
Netanyahu raised concerns about Israeli intelligence indicating Iran was taking steps to rebuild parts of its nuclear program, including concerns that Pickaxe Mountain could be used as a uranium enrichment site, the report said.
“Bibi seems to want to go in again,” one US official told Axios, adding Trump had told Netanyahu to “go ahead and get ready” but had made no commitment on whether or when an operation would take place.
A White House official cited by Axios disputed the report, saying it was “false” that Trump and Netanyahu had discussed resuming the war and reiterating that Trump had said the United States would not attack Iran before the US midterm elections.
Axios said Trump initially appeared inclined toward renewed strikes but later became more hesitant. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and US Central Command leaders were described as the strongest advocates of resuming attacks, while most Trump advisers favored maintaining economic and other pressure for now.
Israel’s military chief Eyal Zamir also discussed with US Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine the possibility of renewed full-scale fighting within three weeks, according to a source briefed on their call. Zamir said fighting in that timeframe could lead to Israel’s Oct. 27 election being postponed because of an expected Iranian missile response, according to the report.
The report said Qatari mediators were meanwhile awaiting Iran’s response to the latest US counterproposal aimed at ending the war and securing nuclear concessions.
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Netanyahu may launch military operation before election to stay in power: Israeli opposition leader
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may launch a military operation against Iran, Hezbollah or Hamas ahead of the Oct. 27 general election in an effort to remain in power, former Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman warned Tuesday.
Speaking at an event in the central Israeli city of Herzliya, Lieberman, who leads the opposition Yisrael Beiteinu party, accused Netanyahu of prioritizing his political survival over national security, according to Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom.
“I have no doubt that Netanyahu is actively seeking a military move before the election, whether against Iran, Hezbollah or Hamas,” Lieberman said.
He claimed the prime minister was motivated by a desire to remain in power rather than security considerations.
Lieberman also ruled out Netanyahu’s participation in a potential opposition-led government after the election.
“Netanyahu cannot even serve as regional cooperation minister in the government. He has to go,” he said.
Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, dissolved on July 17 ahead of the general election scheduled for Oct. 27.
SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES
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