US-Iran Deal Worries Israel; Netanyahu 'Hysterical,' US Media Reports

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly in a state of extreme agitation, described as "hysterical," following a recent understanding memorandum signed between the United States and Iran in Switzerland. The agreement, which includes discussions on the situation in Lebanon, has raised significant concerns within Israel about its strategic maneuverability in the region.

Sources indicate that Israel fears the US-brokered deal effectively legitimizes Iran's long-standing influence in Lebanon. This, they believe, could severely compress Israel's strategic space and freedom of action in Lebanon, particularly concerning potential military operations against Hezbollah. Israeli officials are worried that Washington might oppose future Israeli strikes in Lebanese territory, especially if former President Trump were to pressure them to withdraw from southern Lebanon.

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Bibi is hysterical about it

The "Axios" report, citing two Israeli sources, suggests that Netanyahu has been urgently leveraging his close ties with Trump's team to influence the US-Iran negotiations concerning Lebanon. The prime minister's alleged "hysterical" reaction underscores the high stakes Israel perceives in this diplomatic development.

However, a senior US official attempted to allay these fears, stating that Iran's decades-long involvement in Lebanon is a known factor. The official asserted that Israel has no reason to be concerned about the new mechanism, as the US is also involved. "We are so closely related, so tightly coordinated, that a direct channel between the United States and Iran on Lebanon can only be beneficial for Israel," the official explained, emphasizing the close coordination between the US and Israel.

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Israel is not excluded from the mechanism because the United States is also involved. We are so closely related, so tightly coordinated, that a direct channel between the United States and Iran on Lebanon can only be beneficial for Israel.