Israel Planning for Possible Return to War After Islamabad Talks Fail to Produce Deal

Officials say Israel is awaiting a decision from Trump while preparing for escalation, as strikes in Lebanon and Hormuz threats raise regional risks.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference in Jerusalem on March 19, 2026. Ronen Zvulun/AFP via Getty Images

Israel’s war cabinet met overnight to weigh scenarios including a surprise Iranian attack, officials said.

Senior political officials told Epoch Magazine Israel on April 13 that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened the security cabinet on April 12 to discuss a range of scenarios after the United States and Iran failed to reach a deal during negotiations in Islamabad, Pakistan.