Trump has failed to communicate effectively with allies: the US did not coordinate its negotiations with Iran with Israel
Israel was not formally involved in the negotiations between the US and Iran and only learned of the finalisation of the agreements at a late stage. According to mediators and a source familiar with the situation, the Israeli side was dissatisfied with both the lack of consultation and certain terms of the agreement. This is reported by The Public, citing The Wall Street Journal.
According to the White House, the only form of communication was a phone call from US President Donald Trump to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shortly before the ceasefire was announced. Following this, Netanyahu agreed to join the ceasefire.
The US and Iran announced a two-week ceasefire, under which Iran agreed to open the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the Israeli side supported Washington’s decision but stressed that the ceasefire does not extend to Lebanon.
Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel supports the decision to halt strikes against Iran, provided the strait is opened and attacks on the US, Israel and countries in the region cease. At the same time, he emphasised that the agreements do not apply to Lebanon.
Israel has continued military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. According to reports, 89 people were killed and a further 722 injured as a result of the strikes. This has prompted protests from Iran.
Tehran stated that it might withdraw from the ceasefire with the US if the strikes on Lebanon continued. Iran also warned of a possible suspension of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz following Israel’s attacks.
US President Donald Trump, commenting on the situation, stated that Lebanon was not covered by the terms of the agreements. He explained this by saying that Hezbollah had not been included in the deal and described the hostilities as a separate conflict.
Mediators also noted that Israel had opposed the inclusion of Lebanon within the parameters of the ceasefire. Following the announcement of the agreements, Israeli officials confirmed the cessation of strikes against Iran but reported the continuation of operations against Hezbollah.
Opposition politicians in Israel criticised the deal. Opposition leader Yair Lapid stated that Israel had not been involved in decisions regarding its own security and described the consequences of the agreement as a political and strategic problem.
Follow us on Telegram
