Israel prepared for a dramatic attack that did not happen: 'Iran bought time'
In Jerusalem, it was estimated that Donald Trump would carry out the strike against Iran on the night between Friday and Saturday, but as the hours passed, it became clear that he was giving Tehran another chance. The assessment in Israel has not changed: the memorandum of understanding between Iran and the USA is dead, and the chance for a permanent agreement is zero.
The assessment in Israel was that the major American attack that US President Donald Trump said he was 'considering' would take place on the night between Friday and Saturday. In light of this, there was dramatic preparation in the country, but as the hours passed on Friday, it was understood in Jerusalem that Donald Trump was holding back and giving the Iranians another chance. Behind the scenes, Qatar and Oman exerted significant pressure on Iran to show flexibility in order to prevent an almost certain attack by the USA.
An Israeli official said regarding this:
'Donald Trump really does not want to attack. He is getting close to doing it, but not out of desire - but out of lack of choice.'
From Israel's perspective, this is a temporary lifeline for Iran, which does not change the general assessment: the memorandum of understanding between it and the USA is dead, and the chance of reaching a permanent agreement in which Iran will surrender is zero. Therefore, even if Donald Trump gives Iran another opportunity, according to Israel's assessment, it will not end in an agreement, although it may be that Tehran has again managed to buy itself time, even if not for long.
Next week, we recall, a meeting is planned between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump in Washington, under the auspices of the memorial service for Senator Lindsey Graham. Tonight, for the first time after 13 nights of exchange of fire, the USA did not report any attacks in Iran.
