US Intelligence: Netanyahu May Undermine Peace Deal With Iran

WASHINGTON, United States — US intelligence agencies have reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may take steps to undermine President Donald Trump's efforts to secure a lasting peace agreement with Iran, according to a Washington Post report. Current and former US officials stated that Israel appears determined to continue military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. This stance is viewed as a potential violation of a key provision in the framework agreement between the US and Iran, which calls for an end to conflicts in Lebanon. Intelligence reports suggest Netanyahu's political survival depends on demonstrating that the military will not withdraw from Lebanon and that the conflict will be escalated ahead of national elections planned for this autumn. Israel has expressed concern that the terms of Trump's peace deal could weaken the goal of maximum pressure on Tehran and limit Israel's defensive capabilities against Hezbollah. The analysis notes that any withdrawal from Lebanon could be perceived as a defeat for Netanyahu. Reports indicate that escalating the military campaign in Lebanon could threaten the US-Iran agreement and potentially lead to a rift in relations between Netanyahu and Trump.