How the Israel-Iran War Was Greenlit: Inside the Decision-Making Process

In the early hours of Friday morning, as Israeli fighter jets roared toward their targets, a years-long, tightly guarded plan was finally set in motion. But behind the precise execution was a sprawling and complex process, one that involved thousands of individuals, sensitive diplomacy, and a signature that sealed the course of history.

According to senior sources, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signed a formal directive in November, shortly after Donald Trump’s election victory and the ceasefire on the Lebanese front, instructing the defense establishment to begin implementing a long-developed strike plan against Iran.

The core challenge wasn’t operational, but diplomatic: securing a green light from Washington. In a months-long effort led by Netanyahu and Israeli Ambassador Ron Dermer, secret meetings and backchannel coordination culminated in what sources describe as U.S. “permission verging on support.”

In one of his private meetings with Trump, Netanyahu reportedly told the former President: “Surprise is success.”

But the operation nearly unraveled. Widespread leaks and excessive chatter jeopardized secrecy and almost delayed execution. Yet by early this week, the final go-ahead was given.

By Monday, the full political echelon was brought on board. The heads of the ultra-Orthodox parties, who just days earlier had threatened to topple the government, were unaware of the impending strike. One key exception was Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman Yuli Edelstein, whose early knowledge of the operation helped broker a political compromise, knowing what was to come within 24 hours.