Israel races to strike Iranian targets as Trump signals potential ceasefire

The order was given Tuesday after Netanyahu reviewed a US-backed 15-point proposal aimed at halting the conflict.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Israel has intensified efforts to strike key targets inside Iran after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the military to inflict maximum damage on Iran’s arms industry within 48 hours amid expectations that US President Donald Trump could move to end the war, The New York Times reported, citing Israeli officials and others familiar with the matter.

The order was given Tuesday after Netanyahu reviewed a US-backed 15-point proposal aimed at halting the conflict.

Israeli officials involved in the discussions do not believe the plan would eliminate Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities.

Officials also believe Trump could announce a ceasefire by the end of the week or, at the latest, by the middle of next week. They assess that he is seeking a month-long pause in fighting and could declare it on his own.

Against that backdrop, Israeli leadership is seeking to act quickly, focusing on high-priority targets tied to Iran’s military production.

Netanyahu addressed the situation Monday following Trump’s public comments about talks with Iran, saying Israel would continue to safeguard its interests.

“Earlier today, I spoke with our friend, President Trump. He believes there is an opportunity to leverage the tremendous achievements of the IDF and the US military in order to achieve the objectives of the war through an agreement that will preserve our vital interests,” Netanyahu said.

The New York Times reported that Netanyahu’s directive reflects concern within Israel’s leadership that a diplomatic breakthrough could halt operations before key military objectives are achieved. Israeli officials remain doubtful that the proposed arrangement would adequately address the threats posed by Iran’s weapons programs.