Israel’s prime minister is said to be preparing to seek Washington’s backing for fresh military operations targeting Tehran’s ballistic missile program
Ahead of their Monday meeting, The Washington Post reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intends to ask US President Donald Trump to either greenlight or participate in new military strikes on Iran’s ballistic missile sites.
This past June, the US and Israel carried out a joint airstrike campaign targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. The operation went ahead even though earlier evaluations by US intelligence and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had found no proof that Iran was actively developing a nuclear weapon.
According to The Washington Post, Netanyahu will likely brief Trump on Monday regarding Israeli intelligence indicating that Iran is quickly rebuilding its ballistic missile program— which sustained damage earlier this year.
The publication noted that Netanyahu will pursue a “green light for another strike on the Islamic republic’s ballistic missile program, potentially as part of a joint mission with the US.”
Monday’s meeting takes place against a backdrop of obvious tension between the two leaders. CNN reports that Trump has “grown wary of Israeli actions” and that their relationship has “become strained” because Netanyahu has frequently asked Trump to authorize more assertive military measures in the region this year.
A new source of friction arose last week when Israel unilaterally recognized the breakaway region of Somaliland—a step criticized by organizations such as the African Union and Arab League, as well as countries like Türkiye and Saudi Arabia. When queried whether Washington would emulate Israel’s move, Trump clearly told the New York Post, “No.”
Analysts quoted by The Washington Post imply that Trump—who has promoted his status as a Middle East peacemaker—might be hesitant to approve new strikes that could spark a wider conflict. Additionally, the two leaders disagree on enforcing the Gaza ceasefire: the US is advocating for its peace plan, while Israel has been unwilling to pull out its forces.