Israel to Retain Independent Action Against Threats

Israel will maintain its ability to act independently against any threats, including those from Lebanon, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told U.S. President Donald Trump, according to an Israeli source. He made the remarks during a phone call between the two leaders on Saturday regarding an emerging agreement between Washington and Tehran.

Trump said the United States and Iran had “completed discussions” on a peace deal. He also said that under a Pakistan-mediated memorandum of understanding, the strategic Strait of Hormuz would be reopened.

An unnamed Israeli political source told Reuters on Sunday that during the call, Netanyahu stressed to Trump that Israel would retain the right to act independently against threats in all areas, including Lebanon. The source added that Trump reaffirmed his support for this position.

Following Trump’s remarks about a possible Pakistan-mediated agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, hopes have increased for progress toward ending the three-month-long conflict.

Iran’s Fars News Agency reported that a draft agreement states the United States and its allies would not attack Iran or its allies, in exchange for Iran pledging not to carry out preemptive strikes.

Prominent Israeli politician Benny Gantz said it would be a strategic mistake for Israel to accept a ceasefire in Lebanon as part of any deal with Iran. Israeli forces are currently conducting operations against Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The Israeli source said the United States is regularly updating Israel on the progress of negotiations with Iran.

The source also said Trump has made clear that he will stick to his long-held position in the talks, including dismantling Iran’s nuclear program and removing all enriched uranium from its territory. He added that Trump will not sign any final agreement unless these conditions are met.

Trump wrote on Truth Social that he had a “very good” phone call with Netanyahu.

Source: Reuters (adaptive)