Israel and Iran after the US midterms: awaiting Trump's decision and a reported aborted plan

⏱️ Timeline

1. 5 Nov 2026, 09:08 After the Republicans' defeat in the US midterm elections, Israeli security sources said the defense establishment was uncertain about continued US support and talks with Tehran, and that Israel was studying three main scenarios related to the Strait of Hormuz, a possible wide strike on Iran or continued negotiations, with a tendency to accelerate arms deals and decisions before the end of the year.
2. 5 Nov 2026, 13:52 A report on Yedioth Ahronoth's website conveyed Israeli concerns after the Republican Party's defeat in the midterm elections, noting that JD Vance's positions on the war on Iran and relations with Israel could weaken justifications for resuming US military operations. It warned that a decline in traditional Republican support could push Israel to reconsider its regional calculations, including the Lebanese front.
3. 5 Nov 2026, 21:14 Reports said the Israeli army was continuing preparations for a possible renewal of combat operations against Iran, amid ambiguity over President Donald Trump's orientation after the Republicans' loss. Yedioth Ahronoth quoted Israeli officials as saying that predicting Trump's decisions had become difficult despite Washington's pressure not to resume attacks.
4. 6 Nov 2026, 01:36 A Yedioth Ahronoth report addressed Israeli fears that chances of resuming the war on Iran were declining due to differences inside the US administration. It noted that JD Vance linked the Republicans' election losses to the war, that envoy Steve Witkoff was calling for avoiding escalation, while Netanyahu asked Trump to return to targeting Iran without a US commitment, and that Trump received an offer from the commander of US Central Command.
5. 6 Nov 2026, 02:41 Israeli preparations for a possible resumption of military attacks on Iran continued, amid pressure on President Donald Trump not to return to war after the Republican Party's defeat. Yedioth Ahronoth quoted Israeli officials as saying Trump's behavior was unpredictable, while Trump said Iran could not take steps on its nuclear program without Washington's approval.
6. 6 Nov 2026, 18:10 Ynet reported that Israel was keeping its forces on alert for a possible resumption of attacks on Iran, amid anticipation of Trump's decision after the midterm elections. It pointed to a divergence between Netanyahu and Washington over the operation's objectives, and to tension between Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz over an operation inside Iran before the Israeli elections; it also said resuming the war could open the Lebanon front.
7. 6 Nov 2026, 21:01 Israel's Kan public broadcaster reported that the political level in Israel had so far not issued instructions to the army to prepare for a new attack on Iran despite the end of the US midterm elections. It quoted officials as saying Trump's advisers remained divided between resuming military strikes and continuing the diplomatic track, while Trump said he would decide soon, and US Central Command had not received a new order to begin operations.
8. 6 Nov 2026, 21:06 Israeli media, citing Channel 12, reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Mossad chief Roman Gofman sought to carry out an operation inside Iran on the eve of the Israeli elections held on 27 October. According to the reports, the plan did not have the support of senior officials in the Israeli security establishment for fear of a wide escalation or affecting the election date, and was then canceled after information about it reached the United States due to an Israeli security error and US intervention to prevent its execution.
9. 7 Nov 2026, 08:29 The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied the report about a plan for an operation inside Iran on the eve of the elections, asserting that launching an attack before the elections was not on the table.
10. 7 Nov 2026, 13:24 A report said analysts had observed, through satellite images, new digging and construction work at the Karmadreh base in Karaj and the Shahroud base.
11. 7 Nov 2026, 14:41 President Donald Trump said Washington was holding talks with Iran.

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