Former Israeli Spokesman Refutes Axios Report on Trump and Iran Attack

A former Israeli Defense Forces spokesman has countered a report from Axios that alleged U.S. President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu acted deceitfully ahead of a significant military strike on Iran.

The operation, named “Risingrion,” targeted various military and nuclear sites, resulting in the loss of key Iranian military leadership. In response, Iran launched a missile at Tel Aviv just hours later.

“Iranian leaders got the message, but they might not have fully grasped its consequences. Today marks the 61st day of the President’s ultimatum, and this is a natural outcome,” the spokesman noted.

According to Axios, the Trump administration appeared to maintain a distance from Israel while pursuing a nuclear agreement, with plans for the strike in place for months to weaken Iran’s defenses ahead of the assault.

An Axios source claimed Trump administration officials acknowledged they were aware of the strike plans prior to execution, though they denied having military involvement.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio remarked, “We are not involved in strikes against Iran. Our main goal is to ensure the safety of U.S. troops in the area. Israel believes this action is crucial for its self-defense.”

During a radio interview, Glenn Beck discussed the Axios report with Jonathan Conricus, the former IDF spokesman. Beck expressed disappointment over the allegations regarding Trump’s involvement.

Conricus responded, clarifying that while it looked like the Trump administration might have been deceptive, the reality is more nuanced. He argued, “I don’t believe Israel would have undertaken such a significant action without U.S. support. When the president issues a 60-day negotiation window, I see that as a genuine warning, not deceit.”

He added that the strategy employed by Israel was about making their adversaries unprepared and unaware. In his view, “Was the U.S. president being deceptive? No, he wasn’t. He was straightforward about the deal he wanted Iran to accept.”

Conricus elaborated on the potential outcomes, stating that achieving the desired agreement could lead to reduced sanctions and favorable conditions for Iran.

When Beck questioned whether more strikes would follow, Conricus’s response was decidedly grim, suggesting that this was not the end of the conflict.

From 2017 to 2021, Conricus served as an international spokesman for the IDF.