Israeli Official Says Emerging U.S.-Iran Deal Is Bad for Israel

A senior Israeli official said Sunday that the memorandum of understanding expected to be signed Monday between the United States and Iran is a “bad agreement,” warning that Israel is being sidelined. “Nobody is happy with this. We understand it is not good for us, and that it harms Israeli interests,” he said. “What is troubling is that Israel cannot influence it. Its voice is not heard.”

In Washington, the deal is being presented as a diplomatic achievement that could help prevent a wider regional war and keep Iran away from a military nuclear capability. In Jerusalem, however, officials describe it as a poor deal, even a “catastrophe,” because it is only meant to be a framework for 60 days of talks, with a possible 60-day extension, and does not meet the principles Israel set out at the start of Operation Rising Lion. According to the information known so far, it does not significantly address Iran’s missile program, does not require dismantling the regional proxy network, and does not deal with regime change.

Israeli officials also fear the economic side of the agreement. Even if the first released funds are limited and earmarked for food and medicine purchases through Qatar, lifting restrictions on Iranian oil exports could bring the regime billions more dollars. Jerusalem fears that money would later be used to rebuild military capabilities, expand missiles, and strengthen proxy groups. Officials cite the 2015 nuclear deal as proof that economic relief did not moderate Iran, but instead helped it expand its influence in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

On the nuclear issue, U.S. officials say there is an understanding on how enriched material will be removed from Iran and destroyed, with the United States taking part. Iranian officials, by contrast, continue to speak of dilution rather than removal from Iranian territory. Israeli doubts are deepened by Iran’s long record of hiding facilities and undeclared activity. Officials also worry the deal could affect Lebanon, if Washington pressures Israel to restrain action against Hezbollah or link calm there to the wider understanding with Tehran.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to say that while he is in office, Iran will not get nuclear weapons. But Israeli officials quoted in the report said Trump is trying to close the crisis quickly and is willing to compromise on issues Israel sees as essential. “Trump screwed us,” one official said, while another said there is still a good chance no final deal will be reached and that the real test will be whether the uranium is removed and destroyed.