Politics

Netanyahu discussed possible new strike on Iran with Trump ahead of elections, Axios reports

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed with US President Donald Trump last week the possibility of a major new military operation against Iran before elections in both countries, Axios reported, citing US and Israeli officials. RT Arabic quoted a US official as saying the issue was raised twice, with no firm commitment from Trump. Separately, Al Jazeera reported that Netanyahu has warned his supporters that the opposition could win the upcoming Israeli election.

سكاي نيوز عربيةTuesday, October 13, 2026, 23:16Covered by 3 sources

Illustrative photo: Silhouetted fighter jets with crossing smoke trails in a cloudy sky. Photo by Valentin Karisch on Unsplash

Why it matters

Any renewed military escalation between Israel and Iran could directly affect Gulf security, energy supplies and regional shipping. For now it remains at the level of discussion, as a US official reportedly said Washington has made no firm commitment.

Background

The reports come as both countries approach electoral contests, according to the material. Israel and Iran have been regional adversaries for many years. One account speaks of "resuming" the war, which points to an earlier military confrontation between the two sides.

Key points

RT Arabic quoted a US official as saying Netanyahu appears willing to resume the war on Iran.
According to Al Jazeera, Netanyahu urged right-wing voters to turn out in the upcoming election.
Netanyahu also pointed out, per Al Jazeera, that Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah might try to sabotage the elections.

How outlets covered it

Sky News Arabia focused on Axios's report, citing US and Israeli officials, that Netanyahu and Trump discussed a major military operation against Iran before the elections in both countries. RT Arabic relied on a single unnamed US official and stressed Netanyahu's apparent desire to return to fighting, and that the matter was raised twice without a firm commitment from Trump. Al Jazeera covered the domestic electoral angle, relaying Netanyahu's warning about an opposition win and his concern over attempts to disrupt the vote; the text provided does not mention Trump or a military operation. The available texts show no conflict over the facts, only differences in angle and detail.