Jerusalem / Anadolu

- 'Yedioth Ahronoth': Israel has no interest in imposing itself on this campaign, can reap fruits of US pressure without cost

The Israel Broadcasting Authority said on Friday that Tel Aviv wants to obtain permission from US President Donald Trump to attack Iran.

The authority added: 'Israel wants US president's permission to attack Iran, and what is happening is a confrontation between Americans and Iranians without Israeli intervention.'

It continued: 'Israel believes the exchange of fire between Iran and the United States will continue in the coming days.'

For its part, the Hebrew newspaper 'Yedioth Ahronoth' said on Thursday evening: 'For months, Israel appeared to be pressuring the United States to take a tougher stance toward Iran.'

It added: 'In Israel, officials believe that direct US intervention alone can inflict significant damage on Tehran's strategic infrastructure, but now, with the US leading the campaign against Iran, Israel finds itself on the sidelines.'

Amid rising tensions in the Gulf, Yedioth Ahronoth said: 'The chances of Israel entering this campaign are very slim, not due to a lack of military capabilities, but because Israeli intervention could complicate matters for almost all parties involved.'

It opined: 'Israel has no interest in imposing itself on this campaign, as it can reap the benefits of US pressure without paying a heavy price by joining the fight.'

On the US position, the newspaper said: 'Washington shows similar caution, as it strives to prevent regional escalation, because involving Israel could change the nature of the conflict, complicate efforts to garner international support, and give Iran an opportunity to portray the war as a confrontation between Israel and the Islamic world, a message Tehran has sought to promote for years.'

However, it added: 'The scenario of Israel joining the war later cannot be ruled out. This could happen if Iran significantly expands the scope of its attacks or attempts to strike Israel directly.'

It added: 'At present, it seems that all key actors—the United States, Israel, Gulf states, and even Iran—prefer to keep Israel out of this campaign.'

On Thursday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced carrying out new strikes targeting about 90 Iranian military sites, including air defense systems, missile and drone storage sites, naval capabilities, and logistical infrastructure on the Iranian coast.

In response, Iran's Revolutionary Guard announced targeting US military bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan, warning of expanding its attacks if the US strikes continue.

The Gulf region has been witnessing escalating tensions since the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran on February 28.

Since Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding on June 18 last year, negotiations between them have continued falteringly, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, to reach a final agreement.