IDF Intel Chief Shlomi Binder Visits D.C. to Discuss U.S. Strikes on Iran
The Trump administration is hosting senior defense and intelligence officials from Israel and Saudi Arabia for talks on Iran this week as President Trump considers military strikes, according to Axios.
Israeli military intelligence chief Gen. Shlomi Binder held meetings with senior officials at the Pentagon, the CIA and the White House on Tuesday and Wednesday, two U.S. officials said.
One source with knowledge said that Binder made the trip in order to brief the Trump administration on specific intelligence it had requested about Iran, including possible targets.
Journalist Yossi Yehoshua added,
"Two days ago I asked the military censor to allow publication that the head of Military Intelligence, Binder, was visiting Washington. The request was denied, so I settled for a general text about the importance of coordination with the Americans. And now the report appears via Barak Ravid in Axios. What this institution has become is simply a joke."
White House officials say Trump still hasn't made a final decision. While he threatened Iran again on Wednesday with strikes that "will be far worse" than last time, his aides claim he's still willing to explore diplomacy.
In addition, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman is expected to hold meetings focusing on Iran at the Pentagon, the State Department and the White House, including with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff.
Prince Khalid, the crown prince's younger brother and closest confidant, will be in Washington on Thursday and Friday.