Report: Intel Agencies Warn That Israel Could Try to Scuttle Iran Deal

( Newsmax )

U.S. intelligence agencies have warned the White House that Israel is "likely to undermine" President Donald Trump's emerging agreement with Iran, according to reporting cited by Mediaite.

The intelligence assessments reportedly delivered to senior administration officials concluded that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and members of his government remain deeply opposed to key elements of the deal and could take steps to prevent a broader U.S.-Iran settlement from taking hold, according to Mediaite.

According to the report, intelligence officials are concerned Israel could seek to undercut the accord if Israeli leaders conclude it does not go far enough in dismantling Iran's nuclear capabilities or curbing Tehran's regional influence.

The Daily Mail reported that U.S. intelligence officials fear Israel could ultimately attempt to "torpedo" the agreement if Netanyahu determines the final terms leave Iran with too much nuclear infrastructure or strategic leverage.

The warnings highlight possible tension between Washington and Jerusalem even as Trump has publicly insisted the agreement remains on track.

One of the biggest flashpoints has become Lebanon, where Iran has insisted that any final agreement include an Israeli withdrawal from its security zone in southern Lebanon.

Israel and Hezbollah agreed Friday to renew a ceasefire after a fresh round of fighting threatened to further destabilize the region and complicate U.S.-Iran diplomacy, according to Reuters and other reports.

The truce was brokered with U.S. and Qatari involvement, but Israeli officials have maintained that Israeli forces will continue operating in parts of southern Lebanon even as the ceasefire takes effect.

Israel has refused to commit to a full withdrawal, with Netanyahu arguing that Israeli forces must retain freedom of action against the Iran-backed Hezbollah terrorist group and continue operations aimed at preventing cross-border attacks.

Newsmax reported Friday that Netanyahu has forcefully rejected calls for Israel to leave the security zone, arguing that Hezbollah remains a threat and that Israel must preserve its ability to act against the Iranian-backed group.

The dispute over Lebanon has emerged as one of the most sensitive issues facing negotiators as they seek to transform the preliminary memorandum of understanding into a broader settlement.

Vice President JD Vance warned this week that Israel should not challenge the administration's diplomatic effort, saying Trump remains Israel's most important ally and urging Israeli leaders to support implementation of the agreement.

Trump has publicly projected confidence that Israel ultimately remains answerable to Washington and can be persuaded to stay within the framework of the deal.

Mediaite reported that Trump recently said Israel has "no choice" but to accept an Iran agreement negotiated by his administration and emphasized that he, not Netanyahu, "calls the shots" when it comes to U.S. foreign policy.

Asked about Israeli military operations against Hezbollah, Trump said he believes he can prevent Israel from expanding attacks because Israeli leaders respect him and understand the importance of preserving the agreement, according to the Washington Examiner.

Trump has also signaled frustration with Israeli actions that could jeopardize the accord, criticizing strikes in Lebanon that he said risked undermining his broader peace effort with Iran.

In a newly released interview, Trump said the U.S. must keep Netanyahu "a little bit sane" and expressed confidence in his ability to restrain Israeli military actions when necessary to protect the ceasefire and broader negotiations.

The contrast between intelligence warnings that Israel is "likely to undermine" the agreement and Trump's confidence that Netanyahu can be kept in line highlights one of the central challenges facing the administration as negotiators try to convert the preliminary memorandum into a lasting deal.