Netanyahu Pushes for Strikes on Iran as Israel Gives Hegseth New Targets

The Wall Street Journal reported, citing a source familiar with the Israeli prime minister's intentions, that Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking to push for the resumption of strikes inside Iran.

Meanwhile, the Israeli army is updating its list of targets, expressing concern that Iran is making rapid progress in rebuilding its infrastructure and capabilities in the fields of missiles and drones.

The source stated that Israel presented US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth with targets for strikes, based on new intelligence, during a meeting held on Monday at an Israeli air force base.

The newspaper says the Israeli army has been on high alert for several weeks, with a large number of US military personnel still present in Israel. Additionally, refueling aircraft are stationed at Israel's main airport, along with air force bases in the south.

US President Donald Trump had previously escalated his threats to launch attacks on Iran but backed down each time in an attempt to reach an agreement; the most recent instance was in late July.

Hegseth said on Tuesday, following his return from a trip to the Middle East: "We want to ensure that Iran never possesses a nuclear weapon. If they are not prepared to give that up, and the President asks us to take further steps, we are fully prepared."