Israel holds fire, waits on Trump before joining another Iran campaign: ‘If he wants us, we’ll join’

Israel is not rushing into another military campaign against Iran but is preparing for potential involvement, according to senior Israeli officials. The assessment is that an escalation is approaching, and Israel may join an American operation, respond to an Iranian attack, or launch a preemptive strike. Officials believe a justification for action will emerge, with a significant window expected from the end of the World Cup until September for the U.S. to pressure Tehran. A senior security official stated, "We are waiting. If they call us, we will come." The IDF is preparing for various scenarios, including an American request for participation or a direct Iranian attack. Some defense officials believe the previous campaign ended prematurely, leaving significant targets in Iran untouched. However, other Israeli officials caution against interpreting current briefings as eagerness for war, with one senior official calling it "muscle-flexing, not the prime minister’s position." The ultimate decision rests with U.S. President Donald Trump, with an Israeli official noting, "If Trump wants us, we will join."