The United States pressed Israel to carry out a solo strike operation against Iran during discussions between the two countries over the past two weeks, sources told Maariv in a report published on Saturday.
According to the report, Washington wanted Israel to assume the political risks of a military operation ahead of the US midterm elections, rather than US President Donald Trump.
American officials reportedly believed Israel would be interested in striking Iran before its own elections, while a US operation ahead of the midterms could have negative political consequences for Trump.
Previous reports have focused on Trump "considering" a resumption of military strikes against Iran, with additional reports emerging recently.
However, the latest information suggests that the initial American proposal effectively amounted to Trump directing Israel to strike Iran before the elections.
US backs down on demand for lone Israeli operation against Iran
The US has since backed down from its demand, at least for now, the sources told Maariv.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's position on the matter remains unclear, the sources added.
Over the past week, Netanyahu's schedule was described as "very security-focused," and he held several "sensitive" meetings and visits.
Later on Saturday, two US officials and one Israeli official denied the report, telling Channel 12 Washington correspondent Barak Ravid that the US did not ask Israel to strike Iran prior to elections.