Israel urges Trump to launch 'short and powerful' ground operation in Iran before talks

Israel is pressuring US President Donald Trump to launch a "short and powerful" ground operation in Iran before entering negotiations with Tehran, Israeli media reported on Wednesday. Maariv daily said Israel fears Washington may move toward talks with Tehran before fully dismantling its military capabilities, prompting Israeli officials to urge the Trump administration to carry out a "short, high-intensity operation involving ground forces."

Mixed signals from Trump

The daily said Israeli officials believe Trump's mixed statements about ending or escalating the conflict "reflect hesitation over how to proceed" with the war, which entered its fifth week. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday the war has passed its midpoint, "in terms of tasks, though not necessarily in terms of time." In an interview with Newsmax, Netanyahu urged Trump to move beyond public opinion opposing the war. "I'm not saying politicians should ignore polls—everyone looks at them—but if that's the only thing guiding your actions, then you're not a leader, you're a follower," he said.

Two options

Maariv said that while Trump sends mixed signals about possible talks with Iran, Israeli officials believe he is weighing two options: escalation or negotiation. One option is to escalate the war by targeting Iran's energy infrastructure, including Kharg Island and the South Pars gas field. Strikes could last from several days to a week, depending on a deadline Trump has reportedly set for Iran until April 6 to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face large-scale attacks. "Israel has made clear it will not deploy ground troops to Iran but would strongly support the US military if Washington decides to do so," Maariv said. "They will get from us intelligence—precise intelligence—and every possible assistance and more," an unnamed Israeli security source said.

Negotiation concerns

The second option is to negotiate an agreement limiting Iran's missile and nuclear capabilities without destroying remaining military infrastructure. Maariv cited the same source as saying Netanyahu and his advisers prefer the first option. "Reaching an agreement with the Iranians now would be a clear Iranian victory," the source said, adding it could help the regime survive and potentially include sanctions relief and reconstruction assistance.

Strategic gains

The report said Israel aims to weaken the regime to the point where it cannot recover, encouraging future mass protests. Israel has intensified strikes on strategic industries, including steel production, recently targeting two major steel plants in Khuzestan and Mobarakeh in Isfahan. "Attacks have destroyed between 3% and 4% of Iran's GDP, significantly undermining its ability to recover," an unnamed senior Israeli intelligence official said.

Regional coordination

The report added that Israel is coordinating with regional neighbors who are "exerting strong pressure on Washington not to stop halfway," fearing they would face "a more radical, wounded, and vengeful Iran" if the conflict ends prematurely.

Conflict context

The US and Israel have maintained an air offensive on Iran since Feb. 28, killing over 1,340 people according to Iranian authorities, including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.