Netanyahu may sabotage Iran deal, U.S. intelligence warns

U.S. intelligence agencies have issued a stark warning to the Trump administration, suggesting that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might act to sabotage the ongoing efforts to broker a lasting peace agreement with Iran. Current and former U.S. officials indicate that Netanyahu faces significant political pressure to maintain Israel's military engagement in Lebanon.

Recent intelligence reports highlight Israel's intention to persist with military operations against Hezbollah, Iran's proxy in Lebanon. Such actions could directly contradict a fundamental stipulation of the emerging deal, which requires a cessation of hostilities in the region. This development occurs amidst escalating tensions between Netanyahu's government and U.S. administration officials, who have publicly cautioned Israel against initiating new attacks that could jeopardize the agreement.

Adding to the complexity, Israel launched airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Friday in response to a Hezbollah drone attack that killed four Israeli soldiers. As the conflict continued, U.S. and Iranian officials announced the postponement of talks scheduled to begin in Switzerland, with Vice President JD Vance delaying his travel. If Netanyahu escalates his campaign in Lebanon, he risks not only jeopardizing the U.S.-Iran deal framework but also damaging his relationship with a U.S. president who has been instrumental in his political career.

President Trump himself acknowledged a "little disagreement" with Netanyahu over Lebanon, urging him not to "tear down a building every time someone from Hezbollah goes inside." U.S. intelligence assessments suggest Netanyahu believes his political survival hinges on demonstrating resolve against Hezbollah, particularly with elections looming in the fall. Israel has expressed dissatisfaction with the terms of the Trump peace memorandum, viewing them as restrictive to its defensive capabilities. However, U.S. officials maintain the terms do not prevent Israel from responding to attacks, while emphasizing the need to finalize the deal to avert a global economic crisis. Public opinion in Israel remains strongly supportive of military action against Hezbollah, with thousands of displaced individuals demanding the elimination of the threat and analysts viewing any military withdrawal as a defeat.

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I have a little disagreement for Lebanon with Netanyahu and urged him not to tear down a building every time someone from Hezbollah goes inside.