Amos Harel in Haaretz: ‘Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is interested in Israel joining a renewed war, so his people are making similar forecasts. Meanwhile, Israeli intelligence isn't entirely aware of the calculations Trump and his advisers are making.’

Also: ‘On Sunday morning, it was reported that the security cabinet meeting was held in a secure underground facility. It seems this leak, like its predecessors, has a goal: to create the feeling of a state of emergency, and perhaps to hint to the Iranians that the next round is near and unavoidable. It'd be interesting to know if the Americans had pushed for the leaks.’

And: ‘If the desired escalation won't happen in the Gulf, Jerusalem can always fuel one in the West Bank.’

Trump wants no war to help win the midterms.

Netanyahu wants war to help win the general election.

(a sf 2193)