Expert Israeli Analysis Analyst Amit Segal JAN 18, 2026
AMIT SEGAL: Why did Israel delay the US strike?
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Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly asked Donald Trump to delay an attack on Iran, citing Israel’s lack of preparedness. That’s according to the New York Times—and if true, it’s fascinating for several reasons.
First, there’s the sheer strangeness of it all: Netanyahu is asking to end U.S. military aid and Trump is refusing. Meanwhile, Trump wants to strike Iran, and Netanyahu is asking him to wait.
But the delay request, if true, reveals three possibilities:
Israel doesn’t have enough interceptors.
That’s the most obvious answer, and it makes some sense, but not much. Even if stocks are low, it would be worth it for Israel to risk a few hits if the strike topples the regime.
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