Media: Netanyahu Holds Meetings for Two Consecutive Nights to Prepare for Resuming Military Action Against Iran

On May 18, Xinhua News Agency reported from Jerusalem (reporters Wang Zhuolun and Chen Junqing) that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu convened the Security Cabinet for meetings over two consecutive nights after a phone call with U.S. President Trump the day before, preparing for the resumption of military actions against Iran by Israel and the U.S.

According to i24 News and The Times of Israel, Netanyahu summoned a small group of senior officials and aides for security consultations for the second time in less than 24 hours to assess the current situation and possible options. An Israeli official stated, "Given that hostilities may resume before the end of this week, the current situation is highly tense."

Insiders told i24 News that during Trump's phone call with Netanyahu on the 17th, the two sides did not reach a clear consensus on the next steps. Both Israel and the U.S. are preparing for all scenarios and maintaining close coordination.

On the afternoon of the 18th Eastern Time, U.S. President Trump posted on social media that at the request of the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, he has ordered the postponement of the military attack on Iran originally scheduled for "tomorrow (the 19th)." According to The Times of Israel, Trump later stated at an event at the White House that he had informed the Israeli side of this decision in advance. The leaders of the three countries requested him to delay the attack by "two to three days," as they believe an agreement is imminent.