Israeli media reported on Saturday that the military had completed preparations for a possible new military confrontation with Iran, while stressing that the decision to go to war again rests with United States President Donald Trump. The newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported that the Israeli military had completed both defensive and offensive preparations in anticipation of a possible resumption of military confrontation with Iran, according to the reporting.

The United States and Israel are said to be intensifying communications and operational coordination to identify targets for a new military operation against Tehran. Citing unnamed political sources, the newspaper said Israel was moving closer to a new round of military confrontation with Iran. Even so, Israel's political and military leadership does not have the authority to decide whether a war begins, the reporting says: that decision depends on the United States' position and Trump's choice, whether to reach an agreement with Tehran or launch military strikes alongside Israel again.

Training flights and a political backdrop

The Israeli Air Force has conducted several training flights involving dozens of fighter jets and aerial refuelling aircraft, according to the reports. Negotiations between Washington and Tehran continue through Qatari mediation, and Trump has held off on strikes during the run-up to Tuesday's midterm elections.

The political backdrop in Israel adds to the uncertainty. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who partnered the US in attacking Iran and has been pushing for new strikes, will remain in office despite losing his majority in the recent elections, according to CNN's reporting. Negotiations to form a new government are set to begin next week, but election results suggest it will be difficult for opposition parties to oust Netanyahu quickly. Nothing in the Israeli reporting confirms that a new war has been decided; it describes preparations and a decision that, on this account, is still Trump's to make.