Israel Prepares for Months of Pressure Under a Potential Trump Reversal

Israel is bracing for what officials see as months of heavy pressure from a future Trump administration, according to a report by Ariel Kahane in HaYom. The political leadership is on high alert for a prolonged period in which Washington may push Israel to limit its military actions, as the emerging shift in President Donald Trump’s approach toward Iran, and toward Israel, reshapes the strategic picture.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s response is described as a calculated policy of, in effect, saying “yes” where possible and “no” when necessary. People close to him say the government must act with caution and judgment, not out of anger or emotion. The report also notes Netanyahu’s restraint in recent days, including his decision not to comment on the agreement Trump signed with Iran.

At the same time, officials in Jerusalem are making clear that Israel does not consider itself bound by that agreement. Netanyahu’s circle says Israel will continue to defend its security independently and without compromise. A senior political source said, “The enemies are around our borders, not anyone else’s, and we will act against them.”

As of now, Jerusalem is not aware of any formal U.S. demand to withdraw Israeli forces from southern Lebanon. Israeli officials believe such a demand would only arise if a full and comprehensive nuclear deal were signed between Iran and the United States, but their current assessment is that such a deal will never be reached.