Trump–Netanyahu Rift Overshadows Iran Ceasefire
Differences between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump are beginning to surface as Washington seeks a diplomatic exit from the Iran conflict. The strained relationship between the two leaders risks limiting US maneuverability, as the war that has rocked the global economy still leaves many unresolved issues.
Shortly after Trump announced a two-week ceasefire on Tuesday, Netanyahu challenged some of its terms. The Israeli military launched the largest attack in a series of recent operations in Lebanon, injuring hundreds and prompting Tehran to warn that the deal was in jeopardy even before direct talks began.
Trump said his phone call led Netanyahu to agree to scale back the operation. But on Thursday, while Netanyahu agreed to talks with Lebanon, he insisted the operation would continue, focusing on disarming the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group.
According to people familiar with the situation, Netanyahu has consistently resisted a return to diplomacy to end the broader conflict with Iran. Trump also reportedly informed Netanyahu shortly before the announcement that Lebanon was included in the initial terms of the agreement, indicating limited coordination in the closing stages of the deal.
Israel will not be at the negotiating table scheduled for Saturday in Islamabad between the US and Iran. Diplomats say the broader direction of the agreement remains uncertain, and depends heavily on Israel's willingness to shift from military escalation to restraint.
On the other hand, the scale of Israel's operation in Lebanon is seen as prolonging the conflict with Iran and potentially drawing US military involvement back into the region, just as Trump is trying to focus his strategy on diplomacy. Global economic pressures have also not eased as Iran has not fully reopened the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which about a fifth of the world's oil and gas supplies pass.
5 key points:
- The Trump-Netanyahu relationship shows signs of strain as the US pushes for diplomacy to exit the Iran war.
- Israel escalated operations in Lebanon immediately after the two-week ceasefire was announced, prompting warnings from Tehran.
- Trump asked Netanyahu to agree to a reduction in operations, but Netanyahu has maintained that fighting will continue in Lebanon.
- Israel is not involved in the US-Iran negotiations and will not attend Saturday's talks in Islamabad.
- Uncertainty remains high as the war's objectives have not been achieved and the Strait of Hormuz has not been fully reopened, holding back the recovery of global energy flows. (asd)
Source: Newsmaker.id
