American intelligence officials have reportedly warned the White House that Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu may take steps that could threaten President Donald Trump’s efforts to secure a lasting agreement with Iran, according to a report published Friday by The Washington Post citing classified U.S. assessments.

The intelligence findings underscore growing tensions between Washington and Israel as the Trump administration seeks to advance a diplomatic framework with Tehran while urging restraint in Lebanon. U.S. officials have publicly cautioned Israel against military actions that could jeopardize the fragile negotiations now underway.

According to American officials familiar with the assessment, intelligence analysts concluded that Netanyahu faces significant domestic political pressure ahead of national elections expected later this year. The report reportedly argues that his political future depends heavily on persuading Israeli voters that he will not withdraw forces from Lebanon or ease military pressure on Hezbollah.

The assessment also describes mounting dissatisfaction within Israel over the preliminary terms of the U.S.-Iran understanding. Israeli officials reportedly believe the framework weakens the policy of maximum pressure against Tehran and could restrict Israel’s freedom of action against regional threats. White House officials, however, contend that the agreement still allows Israel to respond when necessary and argue that concerns about reopening the Strait of Hormuz and preventing a broader economic crisis take precedence. According to the report, intelligence analysts believe that any ceasefire or Israeli withdrawal could be viewed by many voters as a political setback for Netanyahu.

Responding to the reported assessment, a senior Israeli official defended Israel’s military operations, stating, “Israeli military activity in Lebanon is for the sole purpose of defending Israeli citizens from continuous attacks by Hezbollah.”

The report surfaced as Israel and Hezbollah moved forward with a ceasefire that took effect at 4:00 p.m. Friday.

Earlier in the day, U.S. officials reportedly informed Iran that Israel was not expected to intensify its military campaign in Lebanon despite the deadly Hezbollah attack in southern Lebanon that killed four Israeli soldiers.

The conflict has continued to exact a toll even since the April ceasefire arrangement. Since that truce went into effect, 23 Israeli soldiers and one civilian employee of the Defense Ministry have been killed during operations in southern Lebanon.

{Matzav.com}