Israel-US Relations Strain as Diplomatic Gaps Widen Amid Regional Conflicts

Tensions between Israel and the United States are deepening at a challenging time for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. A Lebanese diplomatic source told Al-Mayadeen on Monday that no new round of negotiations between Lebanon and Israel is planned for the coming month. This stagnation, along with unresolved issues in Gaza and Iran, is causing disagreements between the Trump administration and Israel.

The US, represented by CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper during his recent visit to Israel, has urged Israel to end hostilities across the three active fronts: Lebanon, Gaza, and Iran. Israeli officials have conveyed to the Americans that Israel reserves the right to act against Iran if intelligence confirms ongoing nuclear and ballistic missile developments. In Lebanon, the US wants the IDF to withdraw from additional security points in southern Lebanon, while in Gaza, Washington seeks progress on deploying a multinational force currently comprising troops from Morocco and Uganda.

A senior IDF officer told Channel 13 that the US message is clear: Israel should work toward closing all three conflict zones. Security officials have expressed opposition to US demands, though not explicitly stated in formal agreements, to halt targeted killings and scale back IDF operations in Gaza. Netanyahu rejected the 15-point Gaza agreement, emphasizing that Israel will not withdraw until Hamas is fully disarmed, including all heavy and light weapons. He acknowledged ongoing discussions with the US on this matter, noting that some American proposals are acceptable and others are not.

Netanyahu praised President Trump as a strong ally against Iran’s nuclear ambitions, reiterating Israel’s firm stance that Iran will never obtain nuclear weapons under his leadership. Regarding Lebanon, Netanyahu confirmed recent Israeli operations targeting militants, including in the Ali Taher ridge area, describing the efforts as both determined and prudent. Last week, senior Israeli officials expressed shock and embarrassment over the leaked Gaza agreement framework, highlighting internal discomfort within Netanyahu’s office.