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Smotrich on US role
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the “current U.S.-Iran war benefits Israel most when American forces do the fighting and Israel remains outside the direct exchange,” adding, “When it comes to the state of Israel, there is no interest in joining the campaign.”
Smotrich framed Israel’s objective as seeking “to destabilize, weaken [Iran] to the point of overthrowing the regime,” while the United States, he said, has concentrated its latest operations on Iranian naval forces, coastal defenses and other capabilities Tehran has used to threaten shipping.
The Military article said the United States is attacking Iran’s principal regional enemy while absorbing the financial and military costs, and it reported that at least 18 American service members have died and more than 400 have been wounded during the broader conflict.
It also said American forces have struck Iranian command centers, drone storage facilities, communications systems, coastal surveillance sites and maritime capabilities, while Israel has not participated in those attacks.
The same source quoted Foundation for Defense of Democracies CEO Mark Dubowitz saying, “Washington does the striking. Israel keeps its fire and its threats in reserve, waiting for one of two triggers.”
Netanyahu meets Trump
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington for a meeting with President Donald Trump, with Haaretz describing the trip as one in which Netanyahu faces “a hostile public, a skeptical Trump administration and the loss of his strongest ally.”
TRT عربي reported that Netanyahu left the Nevatim Air Base in the southern Israeli city of Beersheba heading to Washington without announcing the trip date in advance for security reasons, and it said Axios reported possible tension if the media are allowed to attend the Oval Office meeting.
TRT عربي also said Netanyahu told members of the Security Cabinet that he does not have enough information about the Trump administration's plans, and it reported that Israel did not learn of Trump's decision to halt the attacks until late Friday night.
In Washington, pro-Palestinian protesters chanted slogans describing Netanyahu as 'war criminal' and 'Free Palestine' and carried signs including 'Stop the American-Israeli war machine,' according to the Palestinian Media Center.
The Palestinian Media Center said the protesters called for an end to the genocidal war waged by the Israeli occupation against the Gaza Strip and an end to U.S. support for Israel while Netanyahu was scheduled to meet Trump.
What’s at stake in the US
The Military article said Israel’s restraint is tied to the idea that “Israel’s best move is to not move, yet,” while the United States continues striking Iran and defending bases across the region and protecting commercial shipping.
It reported that Trump said Israel “would join in two minutes if I ask them to,” and it added that Trump immediately added, “We don’t need anybody.”
Al Jazeera reported that Netanyahu’s visit is his first since the war on Iran began and described it as an opportunity for a refresh and a photo opportunity to remind the Israeli public of his ties to the U.S. president.
Al Jazeera quoted Alon Pinkas, a former Israeli ambassador and consul general in New York, saying, “The real reason Netanyahu’s got this visit [to Washington] is purely cynical,” and it added that Pinkas said Netanyahu is “hoping to assure allies and critics within Israel.”
The same Al Jazeera article said Netanyahu faces an election at home in late October and an ongoing trial for corruption, while it also described friction over Washington’s decision to consider selling F-35s to Turkiye and agreeing a nuclear cooperation deal with Saudi Arabia.
