Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seems to think he can sway negotiations between the U.S. and Iran by leveraging support from pro-Israel critics and Congress, as reported by CNN.
Netanyahu aims to influence the discussions on a final Iran deal, anticipated to be finalized in approximately 60 days, through pro-Israel podcaster Mark Levin. An unidentified Israeli source highlighted this plan along with other media reports, despite President Donald Trump having signed an understanding with Iran.
Levin has a track record of advocating for Israel’s interests to Trump. For instance, during a private lunch at the White House in early June, some commentators cautioned that Tehran was just days away from obtaining a nuclear weapon—a claim that contrasts with findings from the Intelligence Community’s 2025 Annual Threat Assessment, which noted that Iran does not produce nuclear arms but possesses a significant stockpile of enriched uranium.
Levin has openly criticized the recent U.S.-Iran peace talks as well. On social media, he expressed frustration, questioning why the public couldn’t view the memorandum of understanding he referred to.
“In just two months, Israel shifted from being a close ally under Netanyahu to a partner we thank for guarding our homeland from Iran,” Levin remarked.
CNN’s unnamed sources suggest Netanyahu is skeptical about the U.S. reaching a final agreement with Iran. The understanding between the U.S. and Iran demands all parties involved in the conflict—including Israel and Lebanon—to cease hostilities to uphold the agreement. The proposed deal might be jeopardized if Israel persists in military actions against Lebanon, which recently saw airstrikes resulting in casualties.
Ceasefire Talks
Israel’s airstrikes on Lebanon were reportedly set to end following a ceasefire agreement reached between Hezbollah and the Israeli government. However, historical patterns indicate that ceasefires have often been short-lived.
Trump stated that he spoke with leaders from both Lebanon and Israel, emphasizing the need for peace. This ceasefire announcement came shortly after a significant escalation in violence, which had resulted in numerous casualties.
Conservative commentator Tucker Carlson pointed out that Israel is not part of the ongoing U.S.-Iran peace discussions, expressing concerns about the implications of the agreement made without consulting Israel.
He quoted Trump and mentioned that while a more measured approach could be beneficial, the devastation in Lebanon as a result of the conflict cannot be ignored. Trump’s actual remarks suggested that excessive destruction was unnecessary, hinting at a more diplomatic stance.
It’s worth noting that Trump isn’t alone in his criticism; Vice President J.D. Vance has echoed similar sentiments. He emphasized that Israel should be more mindful of the U.S., calling Trump the only world leader currently aligned with Israel’s interests, voicing concern over how Israel’s actions could impact their crucial relationship.
