ALBAWABA - Israeli political and security circles are increasingly concerned about what they see as a major shift in U.S. policy toward Iran, following recent comments by President Donald Trump that have fueled speculation that Washington may be willing to abandon military options in favor of a negotiated settlement.
Israeli media reports say officials in Tel Aviv are concerned that the Trump administration is on a path toward a deal with Tehran, no matter the strategic concessions entailed, especially after the president underscored the logistical difficulties presented by removing Iran’s stockpiles of enriched uranium.
The words have raised alarm among Israeli analysts, who say a lessened U.S. emphasis on military pressure might erode deterrence against Iran and change the regional balance at a delicate stage of the negotiating process.
Israeli scholar Yoni Ben Menachem told Israeli media that removing the fear of force could put Israel in a tricky strategic situation. Such a move may be seen by Iran and its allies as a show of waning American determination, possibly encouraging them to pursue more forceful tactics throughout the region, he said.
Israeli observers are especially alarmed by allegations that Tehran is seeking further concessions in the area, including on Lebanon and the future role of Iranian-backed militias operating across the Middle East.
Some analysts also fear that a deal purely on Iran’s nuclear matter could gradually broaden to encompass Lebanon, Gaza and the West Bank, posing new challenges for Israeli officials.
The discussion comes as talks between Washington and Tehran continue without a final resolution. While U.S. officials are still looking for a diplomatic solution, Israeli critics are asking if the scales are tipping between diplomacy and deterrence in a way that might transform the region’s security environment.
For many Israelis, the key question is not simply the contents of any prospective agreement, but whether Iran will emerge from the negotiations believing that the possibility of armed action has effectively been taken off the table.
