Israeli finance minister says Israel will not join US military action against Iran

Tel Aviv – Israel’s finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, told reporters on Thursday that the country has “no interest” in taking part in the United States’ newly announced military campaign against Iran. The statement came as the White House outlined a series of coordinated strikes aimed at curbing Tehran’s alleged support for militant groups in the region and its recent escalation of attacks on Israeli and Western targets. Smotrich emphasized that Israel’s security strategy will continue to be determined by its own assessments and that any involvement in a U.S.-led operation would require a separate, sovereign decision.

U.S. officials have indicated that the campaign could involve air and naval assets targeting Iranian facilities linked to weapons development, but have not disclosed a timeline. While Israel and the United States maintain a close security partnership, Israeli leaders have repeatedly cautioned against automatic alignment with American military initiatives, citing the need to avoid broader regional escalation. Smotrich’s remarks underscore Israel’s intent to keep its options open while monitoring developments, a stance that may shape diplomatic and strategic calculations in the volatile Middle East.