From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Israel preparing to join potential US strike on Iran despite Trump’s delay — report
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleNava Freiberg is The Times of Israel's deputy diplomatic correspondent.
Israel’s political leadership expects and is prepared to participate in a US strike on Iran, even after US President Donald Trump said he canceled an attack planned for today because Gulf states convinced him that reaching a deal with Tehran was possible, Channel 12 reports.
Officials in Israel are said to believe Trump’s announcement only further narrowed his options, assessing that unless Tehran presents a dramatically improved proposal — something Israeli officials view as unlikely — the president will ultimately feel compelled to respond militarily, according to the network.
The report points to multiple developments suggesting heightened preparation for an American strike, adding that Israel is likely to coordinate with the US on the potential attack.
Last night’s limited security meeting convened by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lasted nearly five hours – with the IDF chief of staff, air force chief, head of military intelligence, head of the Operations Directorate, and other senior defense officials in attendance – to ensure full preparedness for the possibility of an American strike, the report says.
In addition, Netanyahu canceled his court testimony for tomorrow without opposition from the prosecution, the network adds.
The Times of Israel Community.