Speculation grows after Netanyahu chairs late-night cabinet meeting

Speculation grows after Netanyahu chairs late-night cabinet meeting
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during press conference, in Jerusalem, 22 December, 2025
Reuters

Israeli media report that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chaired a lengthy security meeting that reportedly focused on the country’s regional threats, including Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran.

The meeting, reportedly, lasted over five hours and continued late into the night.

According to local media, the cabinet discussed a new military plan, referred to as “Operation Iron Strike,” with top officials including Defence Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir.

While the operation’s full scope and targets have not been publicly confirmed, the reports suggest the plan could involve action against Iran and reflect contingency planning across multiple fronts.

Images circulating online over the past two days, described by commentators as large-scale U.S. military aircraft movements toward Europe, have been linked speculatively to the operation.

No official statements from the U.S. or Israeli governments have confirmed any connection.

Separately, the Lebanese newspaper Al‑Akhbar reported that Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump may have discussed a conditional plan to strike Iran if diplomatic negotiations fail.

According to the report, Israel and the U.S. agreed that Lebanon should remain neutral, warning that any Hezbollah intervention could trigger broader military responses. This account has not been independently verified.

Analysts note that Israel and the U.S. have a complex history of coordination and occasional tension over Iran strategy.

The Israeli government has not released official statements confirming “Operation Iron Strike” or its specific objectives.

Observers caution that media reports remain speculative, and the exact nature of any potential operations will likely be shaped by evolving regional dynamics and diplomatic negotiations.

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