The Israeli government has firmly rejected claims published by The New York Times suggesting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to derail nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran by launching a military strike on Iran’s key nuclear enrichment sites.
In a brief but pointed statement issued on Thursday, Netanyahu’s office responded to the article with just two words: “Fake news”.
According to the Times, unnamed officials familiar with the discussions expressed concern that former U.S. President Donald Trump was so intent on reaching a new deal with Tehran that he might allow Iran to retain its nuclear enrichment capabilities — a longstanding red line for Israel.
The report highlighted particular Israeli fears regarding the possibility of an interim agreement that could permit Iran to maintain its facilities for months, or even years, while a permanent accord is finalised.
U.S. intelligence sources cited in the piece reportedly believe Israel could launch a strike on Iran with as little as seven hours’ notice, raising the prospect of a sudden escalation even in the midst of ongoing diplomacy.
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The article also alleged that Israeli officials warned their American counterparts that Netanyahu might authorise military action even if diplomatic efforts result in an agreement. It further noted that Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister, Ron Dermer, and Mossad chief David Barnea held meetings with Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, in Rome last Friday. The pair then travelled to Washington, where they met with CIA Director John Ratcliffe on Monday, before Dermer held a follow-up meeting with Witkoff on Tuesday.
One of the principal sticking points in the U.S.–Iran negotiations remains Washington’s demand that Tehran dismantle its enrichment infrastructure — a condition Iran continues to reject outright.
Earlier this week, U.S. Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed she had a “very candid conversation” with Netanyahu about the talks, conveying a message from President Trump urging unity and patience during the negotiation process.
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Trump has recently unsettled Israeli officials by omitting Israel from his latest Middle East visit and by making policy moves seen as departing from traditional U.S.–Israeli coordination. Despite these developments, both Netanyahu and Trump have downplayed speculation of a rift between their respective administrations.
