Netanyahu holds security consultation; Israel said to expect Iran attack even if US strike is limited

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is holding a security consultation in Jerusalem with top advisers and defense officials on a “classified topic,” the office of one of the attendees tells The Times of Israel. According to Channel 12, the discussion is focusing on Iran and the possibility of a US strike.

Israeli officials do not believe that a limited strike will bring down the regime, and that US President Donald Trump shares their assessment, according to the outlet. Therefore, they assess that Trump will focus a potential attack on physical assets, especially the nuclear and missile programs. Even in the case of a limited strike, the channel reports, Israel believes that there will be a significant Iranian attack on Israel, to which Jerusalem will respond in force.

Israel also has identified massive pressure from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar and Oman on the White House to allow them to mediate between Washington and Tehran to find a diplomatic solution, says Channel 12. A directive from Trump on a potential strike on Iran is expected in the coming days, once all of the US military assets heading to the region are in place, a senior US official tells Channel 12. (Source)