Netanyahu Sets a Cautious Line as Trump Pressures Israel Over Iran

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has adopted a policy of saying yes where possible, but not more than necessary, ahead of expected demands from U.S. President Donald Trump after Trump’s sharp shift in policy toward Iran. According to a report by Ariel Kahane in Israel Hayom, Israel is preparing for at least several months of American pressure to limit Israeli military activity in the region.

Officials in Jerusalem say Israel does not consider itself bound by the agreement Trump signed with Iran. Netanyahu’s circle says the response must be handled wisely, with decisions made from the head and not the gut. The intent is to accept U.S. requests when possible, but draw clear red lines when those demands conflict with Israel’s security needs.

A political source said, “The enemies are around our borders, and not anyone else’s, and we will act against them,” stressing that Israel will continue to preserve its freedom of action against regional threats. For now, Jerusalem is not aware of any American demand to withdraw IDF forces from southern Lebanon.

Israeli officials believe such a demand could come only if the United States and Iran sign a full nuclear agreement, but they do not expect such a deal to be reached.