'Only to be told to stop': Israel says it has 'no interest' in joining renewed US-Iran conflict

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has said Israel has no intention of joining the renewed US military campaign against Iran, arguing that the current conflict and sustained economic pressure on Tehran already serve Israel's strategic interests.

"Right now, Israel has no interest in joining the conflict. The current situation, where there's a war between Iran and the US, is actually the best scenario for us," Smotrich said.

Israel sees advantage in staying out

Smotrich's remarks suggest Israel is comfortable allowing the United States to take the lead in confronting Iran while avoiding direct military involvement for now.

The comments indicate that Israeli leaders believe Washington's military operations and sanctions are already weakening Iran without requiring Israel to enter the conflict itself.

Avoiding a wider regional war

By remaining outside the fighting, Israel reduces the risk of becoming the primary target of Iranian retaliation, including missile attacks or strikes by Tehran-backed proxy groups across the region.

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Staying out also allows Israel to preserve military resources, maintain a high state of readiness and prepare for any future escalation if the conflict spreads.

Support without direct participation

Israel's decision not to join the fighting does not signal neutrality in the US-Iran confrontation. Instead, it reflects a strategy of supporting continued pressure on Iran while avoiding the costs and risks of direct military action.

Trump-Netanyahu relationship evolves

Smotrich's comments also come amid signs of a changing dynamic between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Although both leaders continue to share a hardline stance on Iran, recent developments suggest their relationship has become increasingly pragmatic, with Washington and Jerusalem pursuing overlapping but not always identical approaches to the conflict.