Unofficially: Israel tried to provoke Iran. Dozens of planes at the border

Israeli Air Force actions aimed to provoke Iran into military response, providing Israel a pretext for an attack. The operation involved numerous fighter jets and a refueling aircraft, which returned before crossing into Iranian airspace. Despite warnings about escalation risks, the operation was framed as military exercises. Israeli opposition urged the army chief to oppose any attack on Iran before elections unless there was a genuine military necessity. Reports indicated Prime Minister Netanyahu sought to strike Iran in October, but U.S. President Trump opposed military actions before the upcoming congressional elections.