Netanyahu orders 48-hour strike surge fearing Trump may halt Iran war

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered a 48-hour acceleration of air strikes against Iran to maximize damage to the country's arms industry before Washington moves toward a ceasefire, according to a New York Times report Wednesday. The directive reflects Israel's growing concern that it may soon lose its window of opportunity.

US plan sparks alarm

The order came after Netanyahu's government obtained a copy of a US-drafted 15-point plan to end the war and reportedly concluded it inadequately addressed Iran's nuclear program and ballistic missile capabilities. Israeli officials fear President Donald Trump could announce peace talks at any moment, according to the Times. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt urged caution on the reported plan, saying while "there are elements of truth to it, some of the stories I read were not entirely factual."

Limited Israeli leverage

Netanyahu issued the order during a Tuesday meeting at a military headquarters following briefings from senior commanders on remaining viable targets. According to five Israeli national security officials cited by the Times, the decision to end the war rests entirely with Trump, leaving Netanyahu with little influence over its conclusion. Israeli officials remain divided, with some seeking another week to work through a broader target list while others favor an earlier end.

Conflict context

The US and Israel have been attacking Iran since Feb. 28, killing more than 1,340 people including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has retaliated with strikes across the region, disrupting global oil flows and aviation. Trump paused strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure Monday, while indirect US-Iran contacts through intermediaries reportedly continue. Three officials noted the most significant military gains came in the opening week, with concerns mounting over international opinion, the war's financial toll and the burden on Israel's population.