Photo: Depositphotos
Knesset member Moshe Saada of the Likud party has said that Israel would have attacked Iran even if former US President Donald Trump had prevented it. Saada’s comment came amid a New York Times report that Trump was the one who blocked an Israeli attack on Iran during the transition period between his administration and Joe Biden’s. This was reported by the Israeli newspaper Maariv.
“It’s no secret that Israel wants to attack, and the threat to our existence is very real. We had to use the moment of the change of power in the United States. It was clear that the situation would be different under Trump,” Saada said.
He stressed that although the situation in 2025 has become more difficult, this should not deter the government. In his view, Israel should act independently of external pressure, including from its allies.
“If Trump says no, we must say yes,” the MP stressed, calling on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to make a bold strategic decision.
Saada’s comments came amid tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme and reports of new attempts by the United States and Tehran to reach an agreement through Omani mediation. In Israel itself, the discussion of a possible preemptive attack on Iran has been going on for years, and the latest statements by MPs have only increased pressure on the government.
