On June 12, 2026, President Trump informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a phone call that he expected to sign a deal with Iran within days. Trump described the deal as significant, stating, "This is the deal. It's a great deal, and it's time to end this war," according to a senior U.S. official.
Netanyahu's initial expectations regarding the conflict did not align with the current developments, as he had anticipated that military action could lead to regime change in Iran. With elections approaching, Netanyahu faces criticism from political opponents who accuse him of compromising Israel's sovereignty by accepting Trump's terms for peace.
Reports indicate that Netanyahu is concerned about the implications of the deal, particularly regarding Iran's nuclear program. A U.S. official noted that while Netanyahu did not strongly oppose the deal during the call, he expressed trust in Trump to ensure that the final agreement would address shared concerns.
Israeli officials are reportedly skeptical about the deal, fearing that Iran may prolong negotiations without making substantial nuclear concessions after the agreement is signed. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that while Trump is pursuing the deal based on U.S. interests, Israel expects adherence to shared principles concerning Iran's nuclear capabilities and regional activities.
Concerns have also been raised about the ceasefire terms potentially limiting Israel's operational freedom against Hezbollah. A senior U.S. official indicated confidence that Israel would ultimately support the agreement once the full terms are understood. Following Iranian media claims that the deal would provide Iran with significant financial benefits, Israeli officials sought clarifications from the White House, which reassured them about the mischaracterization of the agreement.
The situation in Lebanon remains a potential destabilizing factor for the deal, as ongoing tensions and military exchanges between Israeli forces and Hezbollah continue. Should Hezbollah engage in hostilities, it could violate the terms of the agreement, posing further challenges for Netanyahu's political standing.