🇺🇸🇮🇱🇮🇷 — The U.S. urged Israel to launch a unilateral strike on Iran during talks over the past two weeks, rather than pursuing an American or joint operation.

Washington wanted Israel to bear the political risks ahead of the U.S. midterm elections, believing an attack could hurt President Trump politically while benefiting PM Netanyahu ahead of Israel's elections.

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir warned U.S. officials that such an attack would likely force Israel to postpone its elections. Washington has dropped the demand for now.

The proposed strike was driven by intelligence indicating that Iran is rapidly rebuilding its drone and ballistic missile production capabilities despite months of U.S. and Israeli attacks.

— Maariv | @TheWarReporter