I think there are other possibilities that have to be mentioned. One is, as Jay L pointed out, it's election time in Israel and we all know how Israeli politicians love to look tough by starting limited wars and bombing civilians. Netanyahu's position in the elections has been getting more and more shaky. That's why the Paris trip despite the French asking him not to go, and that's why this now. He is counting on the notion that most voters don't like to change horses during a war.
The other possibility is the nuclear talks. Israel is absolutely terrified of any kind of lessening of tensions between the U.S. and Iran. They know well an operation like this will be begging Iranians and Hezbollah to retaliate, and Israel hopes to use that retaliation to boost efforts to undermine the nuclear talks.
I think there are other possibilities that have to be mentioned. One is, as Jay L pointed out, it's election time in Israel and we all know how Israeli politicians love to look tough by starting limited wars and bombing civilians. Netanyahu's position in the elections has been getting more and more shaky. That's why the Paris trip despite the French asking him not to go, and that's why this now. He is counting on the notion that most voters don't like to change horses during a war.
The other possibility is the nuclear talks. Israel is absolutely terrified of any kind of lessening of tensions between the U.S. and Iran. They know well an operation like this will be begging Iranians and Hezbollah to retaliate, and Israel hopes to use that retaliation to boost efforts to undermine the nuclear talks.