Netanyahu ordered plan for major attack on Iran, claims British media

LONDON: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pressing to resume large-scale attacks on Iran. Earlier this month, he directed the Israeli military to plan a new major attack on Iran.

British media, citing three sources familiar with the matter, reported that on 10 October the Israeli military had prepared for a bombing campaign lasting several days over the weekend. It was to target Iranian nuclear sites and government targets, as well as civilian infrastructure such as power stations.

According to the sources, the mission was eventually called off because US President Donald Trump did not favour restarting the conflict before the US midterm elections on 3 November. Even so, both Trump and Netanyahu are threatening fresh attacks on Iran. They say the United States and Israel should finish their work against the Iranian government.

The sources said the proposed bombing was to be more intense than the joint US-Israeli attack that began in February. It is not clear whether the United States was to take part directly in the operation. However, the sources said Israel and Washington could resume attacks in the coming weeks.

Israeli military on high alert

According to an Israeli official, US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth visited Israel on Monday and held talks with Netanyahu and other senior officials. One source said Israeli officials presented a fresh list of targets in Iran based on new intelligence. It included civilian infrastructure targets that were not hit earlier this year.

The Israeli military has been on very high alert for several weeks. In an unusual step, it has cancelled leave for all soldiers from Thursday until the Israeli parliamentary elections on 27 October. Israeli military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has said the move was made to ensure the democratic elections are held safely and on schedule.