Israeli Official Highlights No US Pressure on Security Zone Withdrawal, Full Coordination on Iran

Tzipi Hotovely, head of Israel's public diplomacy team accompanying Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's delegation in Washington, emphasized significant achievements from their recent visit. In an interview with Channel 7, she stated there was no American pressure on Israel to withdraw from its security zones. Instead, the meetings reflected close coordination and mutual understanding on sensitive issues, particularly regarding Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Hotovely described Netanyahu's meeting with US President Donald Trump as one of their best, highlighting two main outcomes: the absence of US demands to retreat from security areas Israel controls and full alignment on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Both countries are exploring multiple strategies to ensure Iran cannot develop nuclear capabilities, focusing on results rather than specific methods.

Addressing concerns about potential security escalations following the visit, Hotovely noted that military action is just one option discussed, with tight security coordination ongoing between Jerusalem and Washington. She explained that since the October 7 attacks, Israel has adopted a new security doctrine that necessitates maintaining control over security zones to prevent terrorist groups from gaining ground.

The visit also underscored the personal rapport between Netanyahu and Trump, with Hotovely recounting a lighthearted exchange affirming their close relationship. Beyond security, Israel aims to gradually shift from reliance on US aid to a strategic partnership that enhances its defense independence within the next decade.

Hotovely, a former Israeli ambassador to the UK, stressed the irreplaceable value of face-to-face meetings in building trust and comprehensive understanding. She concluded by noting that Israel's message about Iran being a threat not only to Israel but also to the US has gained broad acceptance among American political circles, framing the conflict as a shared struggle against a common enemy.