Netanyahu not 'natural partner' for Trump's Mideast peace push: ex-consul general

Yaki Dayan, Israel's former consul general in Los Angeles, has voiced significant concerns regarding U.S. President Donald Trump's current focus on achieving a peace agreement with Iran. Dayan characterized this as a new phase for Trump, one driven by a desire to be recognized as a "president of peace" through initiatives like an Iran deal and the expansion of the Abraham Accords.

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He [Trump] is now focused on world peace, peace with the Iranians, and expanding the Abraham Accords.

Dayan expressed skepticism about the emerging agreement with Tehran, particularly its terms. He highlighted that the plan reportedly involves diluting enriched uranium rather than removing it, which he views as problematic. Furthermore, he criticized the impending lifting of economic sanctions within 60 days, stating that the "tool that was really effective" is being discarded. "It does not look great" for Israel, Dayan asserted.

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From his point of view, the picture of victory is enriched uranium and stopping nuclear enrichment. However, they are talking about not even removing the enriched material, but diluting it, which is a problem in itself.

The former diplomat also pointed to a clash of interests between the United States and Israel on key regional issues, specifically mentioning Lebanon and Iran. He observed that while U.S. and Israeli interests often overlap, there are instances, such as with Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon, where American priorities take precedence. Dayan suggested that Trump's focus on a "world peace" agenda might mean that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not necessarily Trump's preferred partner in these endeavors, despite their past relationship.

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All of this is happening while, within 60 days, Trump is lifting the economic siege, the tool that was really effective and the only one left. It does not look great.