In chaotic hours before Trump's Iran deal, Netanyahu had other priorities

In the tense hours preceding the announcement of the U.S.-Iran deal, a significant disagreement erupted between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and then-U.S. President Donald Trump. The conflict centered on an Israeli strike in Beirut, which Trump believed jeopardized the delicate negotiations with Iran.

On Sunday morning, Netanyahu posted a birthday message to Trump, but by Sunday afternoon, the U.S. president was reportedly furious. According to reports, Trump questioned Netanyahu's judgment regarding an Israeli strike on a Hezbollah command center in Beirut. This strike followed drone launches by the Iranian-backed militant group into Israel, occurring just as Iran was considering the final terms of a ceasefire agreement. Trump publicly stated that Israel's action was an overreaction and cast doubt on Iran's willingness to agree to a deal under such circumstances.

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What the f*** are you doing?

Iran's deputy foreign minister indicated that the incident delayed negotiations, pushing Tehran's decision past midnight. Israeli media outlets, such as Channel 12, reported that Netanyahu's team perceived Trump's criticism as a "slap in the face." The incident highlighted growing friction between the two leaders, who had initially acted as partners in strikes against Iran over 107 days prior.

As Trump sought to conclude the deal, he and Netanyahu found themselves increasingly at odds over the next steps. The situation underscored for Netanyahu that U.S. support might not be as unconditional as often portrayed, especially if it interfered with Trump's objectives. For Netanyahu, however, navigating an upcoming divisive election campaign might have presented other priorities. Reports in Israeli media suggested internal government and military concerns about the prospect of a U.S.-Iran peace deal, with frustration over the U.S. entertaining such an agreement and fears of increased Washington interference in Lebanon, potentially limiting Israel's actions against Hezbollah.

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He has no f*****g judgement.