Current sectionIsrael NewsIsrael SecurityAnalysis While defense officials wonder what Israel stands to gain from another round of fighting, Trump's goal in escalating the attacks appears to be forcing Iran back to the negotiating table on better terms ■ The president's bizarre announcement on the Saudi nuclear deal has mostly caused deep confusionShare to FacebookShare to XArticle printing is available to subscribers onlyPrint in a simple, ad-free formatSubscribeComments: Zen reading is available to subscribers onlyAd-free and in a comfortable reading formatSubscribeAmos Harel06:02 AM • July 24 2026 IDTAs the weekend approaches, there are increasing signs of further large-scale escalation in the Persian Gulf. The American media has noted a possible intensification of the military offensive against Iran. The Israel Defense Forces went into a higher state of alert, in case of a situation in which Israel will be involved.Loading...Click the alert icon to follow topics:Saudi ArabiaMossadIran nuclearNuclear weaponsIDFIranIsrael - IranBenjamin NetanyahuDonald TrumpStrait of HormuzCommentsLoading...In the NewsIn the News: Live UpdatesU.S.-Saudi DealOil PriceIranGazaKozo OkamotoIsrael ElectionsHaQuizHaaretz PodcastShock Tactics: With the Help of AI, Netanyahu Sinks to New LowsU.S. Military Says It Completed 13th Consecutive Night of Strikes on IranHigh Court Petition Says Karhi Sought to Let Netanyahu Influence News ContentNetanyahu Coalition Turns Democrats' Primary Into Latest Attack on EisenkotShin Bet Chief Zini's Doctrine: Be Loyal to Netanyahu and Redefine the EnemyRemembering and rebuilding two years laterICYMIThe Most Optimistic Israeli in Jerusalem Is Leaving the CountryAs Ground Invasion Looms, U.S. and Iran Want Wild-card Israel Out of the FightThe Original Ozempic Society of Ancient RomeBetween Messi and Milei: How Argentina Became Israel's Team at the World Cup'Choose Hope': Natalie Portman Backs Arab-Jewish Party Ahead of Israeli ElectionHélène Cixous: 'I Accept Israel's Existence, but I Don't Identify With It'