The Israelis Who Prevented a War With Iran

Netanyahu came close to ordering airstrikes in 2010 — but was thwarted by his own security chiefs.

• Anshel Pfeffer
• FP

As the shadow conflict being waged between Israel and Iran in Syria has intensified in recent days, the risk has grown that the two countries — among the strongest in the region — may soon find themselves in an all-out war.

But this isn’t the first time Israel and Iran have approached the precipice.

Nearly a decade ago, at the start of Benjamin Netanyahu’s second term as prime minister (he’s now well into his fourth), the Israeli leader seriously considered launching air strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

U.S. President Barack Obama leaned hard on Israel to hold its fire.

But when Netanyahu…

• The Israelis Who…