Mossad Director Visits Washington for CIA Consultations as Netanyahu Presses Trump to Resume Iran War

Analysis
Trump has rejected Netanyahu's pressure and sides with Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, who prefer the blockade and a waiting period. Gofman's meetings with Ratcliffe and Witkoff are Netanyahu's channel for shifting that position, but a caretaker prime minister facing Eisenkot's coalition mandate has little standing to commit Washington. It is unlikely that Israel or the United States conducts new military strikes on Iranian territory by December 14, 2026. The larger risk is an Israeli unilateral move or a provoked Iranian attack timed to disrupt government formation, which opposition leaders reportedly fear. The visit may instead be routine intelligence coordination on blockade effects and Iranian internal strain, with the resume-war framing coming from Israeli political briefing. Since July, when Gofman's first visit paired military and diplomatic tracks, the war has moved into a blockade phase. Confidence is low: everything traces to one Axios scoop on anonymous sources, with no visibility into what Gofman asked or Washington answered. If strikes occur, Gulf governments and shippers must plan for retaliation against Gulf infrastructure and the blockade corridor. Continued restraint preserves Washington's deal track and gives Eisenkot room to form a government.