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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked Washington to postpone a possible military strike on Iran, fearing it could cost his Likud party votes in parliamentary elections scheduled for October 27, the Maariv newspaper reported. The paper said Netanyahu raised his concerns in closed-door meetings with a small group of advisers.

According to the report, Netanyahu cited two main arguments. First, holding a vote during an emergency security situation would make delaying the election practically impossible, since extending the Knesset's term requires at least 80 lawmakers under Article 9A of Basic Law: The Knesset. Maariv said Likud officials view securing opposition backing as politically unfeasible. A second concern was the damage a possible Iranian retaliation could inflict on Israel's home front. Separately, Axios reported that Israeli army chief Eyal Zamir discussed with U.S. Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine the prospect of strikes resuming within three weeks and whether that would force a postponement of Israel's vote.

Israeli sources said several recent phone calls between Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the possibility of renewed attacks, while the White House denied the leaders discussed war. Polls show mixed results for Netanyahu's bloc, and War Cabinet veteran Gadi Eisenkot said he knew of no development requiring an urgent strike. U.S. and Iranian diplomacy continues without agreement.

Key Takeaways

• Maariv reports Netanyahu asked Washington to delay a strike on Iran ahead of the October 27 elections
• Likud fears Iranian retaliation and possible election delays could damage its chances
• Axios says army chiefs Zamir and Caine discussed strikes resuming within three weeks