As tensions between the United States and Iran escalate, threatening to undermine the ceasefire agreement, two Israeli sources told CNN that President Donald Trump’s administration does not want Israel to become involved in the fighting, fearing it could lose control of the conflict.
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would very much like to join the American strikes,” one of the sources said. “But the United States does not want Israel involved at this stage.”
CNN has requested comment from the White House.
On Thursday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are prepared to resume military operations against Iran, even if Israel has to act alone.
“The IDF is on high alert and prepared to resume the operation, regain air superiority, and carry out an independent Israeli strike against Iran to eliminate the threats—even for a third time,” Katz said during a graduation ceremony for new Israeli Air Force pilots. “If we have to return, we will return with even greater force.”
However, one of the Israeli sources said the prevailing assessment in Israel is that President Trump does not want a return to a full-scale war. According to the source, the strongest measure the US may be willing to take is the reimposition of a naval blockade on Iranian ports.
