US Seeks Netanyahu Successors Amidst Rift Over Iran Deal, Israeli Media Reports
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Channel 12 of the Israeli television network has reported that certain parties within the U.S. government, maintaining close ties with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, are engaging with opposition parties in the Israeli coalition government. These contacts reportedly include Gadi Eisenkot, former Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, and former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.
This initiative is framed as part of Washington’s endeavor to identify political successors for Netanyahu. The Israeli media outlet attributes this to what it describes as a “rift in relations between the Trump administration and Netanyahu.” The Israeli network claims this divergence stems from Tel Aviv’s opposition to an agreement that Washington has purportedly brokered with Tehran.
Channel 12 further suggests that assessments by some U.S. administration figures indicate a significant likelihood of a cabinet change in Israel. Washington reportedly views this possibility as a valid justification for establishing future understandings and connections for the post-Netanyahu era.
According to the Israeli media, these developments coincide with escalating tensions between the White House and Netanyahu’s cabinet. The report indicates that Washington aims to negotiate a 60-day interim agreement with Iran, building on an understanding with the country to reach a broader deal. Israel, however, is reportedly concerned that such an agreement could curtail its operational freedom in Lebanon and postpone critical issues for Tel Aviv, including Iran’s nuclear program and ballistic missile capabilities.
The purported understanding allegedly calls for an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the lifting of the naval blockade on Iran, and the gradual removal of sanctions on its oil exports.
J.D. Vance, the U.S. Deputy President, has reportedly sharply criticized Israeli officials who have opposed Washington’s supposed deal with Tehran, characterizing Tel Aviv’s reaction as “strange panic.” He reportedly reminded Benjamin Netanyahu’s government that they cannot “attack their only powerful ally” in the world.
The Washington Post reported yesterday, citing U.S. officials, that American intelligence agencies had warned the Trump administration that Netanyahu might undertake actions that could undermine efforts to achieve a lasting peace agreement with Iran.
The newspaper explained that intelligence reports indicate Tel Aviv is determined to continue military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, which contradicts a fundamental clause in the alleged agreement calling for a halt to hostilities in that area.
