U.S. intelligence warns Netanyahu may undermine Iran deal to keep Lebanon war going

U.S. intelligence agencies have warned the Trump administration that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may take steps that could damage President Donald Trump’s effort to secure a long-term agreement with Iran, the Washington Post reported on June 19, 2026. The paper said the warning was based on U.S. intelligence reports circulated this week and on American officials cited in the story.

According to the report, analysts believe Netanyahu is determined to keep fighting in Lebanon, not only for security reasons but also because of domestic politics ahead of Israel’s expected autumn elections. The intelligence assessment says Netanyahu’s political survival depends on convincing Israeli voters that he will not withdraw troops from southern Lebanon and will continue intensifying the campaign against Hezbollah. One official said any Israeli pullout from southern Lebanon, or any halt in the fighting, would be seen at home as a political defeat for the prime minister.

The report also says U.S. officials think Israel strongly objects to the understanding being negotiated between Washington and Tehran. In Jerusalem, officials reportedly fear the deal would limit Israel’s freedom of action against Hezbollah and weaken its strategy of maximum pressure on Iran. Israel also sees continued military presence in southern Lebanon as necessary to remove the threat to northern Israeli communities.

In Washington, officials fear that widening the fighting in Lebanon could collapse the Iran agreement and worsen tensions between the U.S. and Israel. They say the understandings are meant to prevent escalation, not to stop Israel from responding if Hezbollah attacks. The report says the administration considers finalizing the deal and opening the Strait of Hormuz more important than continuing the war in Lebanon.

The article also describes growing friction between Trump and Netanyahu over Lebanon. Trump reportedly asked Netanyahu not to widen strikes on Beirut, and one of their recent calls was said to be among the most tense since Trump returned to the White House. In an Axios interview, Trump said his relationship with Netanyahu was “good,” but added, “we need to keep him a little sane.” He also said, “Yes. They respect me very much and they do what I say,” and argued that U.S. weapons and capabilities were central to Israel’s strength.