The private Israeli Channel 13 reported on Thursday that Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir informed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Tel Aviv alone would not be able to confront Iran if a direct war broke out between the two sides.
The channel quoted unnamed informed sources as saying that Zamir, "during discussions he held with the prime minister over the past few days, presented a firm position that Israel cannot act alone (militarily), and that there is a need for full coordination with Washington."
The sources added that "any action against Iran must be fully coordinated with the administration of US President Donald Trump," according to the channel.
An informed source who participated in these sessions told the Hebrew channel that "Israeli Air Force Commander Tomer Bar shares this view with the Chief of Staff."
The sources confirmed to Channel 13 that "there is a dramatic disagreement within the top Israeli leadership regarding Israel's ability to act (militarily) alone, the extent to which American involvement should be in any potential Israeli operation, and the extent of coordination required with the United States."
Tensions in the region have recently escalated, with talks between the United States and Iran over its nuclear program appearing to have reached a dead end, potentially raising the possibility of a military option.
US President Donald Trump said in an interview with the Pod Force One podcast broadcast Wednesday that his confidence has diminished that Iran will agree to halt uranium enrichment as part of a nuclear deal with the United States.
He continued, "I don't see the same enthusiasm among the Iranians to make a deal, and I think they will make a mistake, but we will see."
On Monday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry announced that the sixth round of nuclear talks with the United States will be held next Sunday in the Omani capital, Muscat.
But earlier Thursday, Israeli Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu hinted that a potential attack by Tel Aviv on Iran "would be a surprise," according to Yedioth Ahronoth, commenting on US reports of a possible Israeli attack.
In response, Iran announced that it would respond "swiftly and unexpectedly" to Israel and the United States in the event of any attack, according to a "high-ranking" security official quoted by Iran's official Press TV.
The United States, its ally Israel, and other countries accuse Iran of seeking to produce nuclear weapons, while Tehran says its program is designed for peaceful purposes, including electricity generation.
Israel is the only country in the region that possesses a nuclear arsenal, which is not subject to international supervision.
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Hebrew media: The army informed Netanyahu that Israel alone is unable to confront Iran.