Defying Trump, Israel Seeks Influence Over Peace Talks

By launching renewed strikes on Iran on Monday, Israel appeared to openly challenge U.S. President Donald Trump while signaling that it wants a stronger voice in any future peace negotiations involving Iran.

Trump has been pursuing a negotiated settlement with Iran, reportedly without including Israel directly in the talks. Analysts say Israel's latest military actions were intended to remind Washington that no lasting agreement can succeed if Israeli security concerns are ignored.

Danny Orbach, a military historian at Hebrew University of Jerusalem, said the strikes sent a clear message to the United States: any deal that significantly undermines Israel's interests could face strong opposition from Jerusalem.

Trump has repeatedly urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to avoid actions that could derail negotiations with Iran, including limiting military operations in Lebanon against the Iran-backed Hezbollah.

Last week, Netanyahu reportedly canceled planned airstrikes on Beirut following a phone call with Trump. Trump later acknowledged that their exchange had been heated, though he maintained that the two leaders continue to have a good working relationship.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu's domestic critics have accused him of restricting Israeli military operations to support U.S.-led diplomacy without securing Israel a direct role in the negotiations.

The developments highlight growing tensions between Washington and Jerusalem over how to manage relations with Iran and suggest that Israel is determined to ensure its interests are represented in any future peace agreement.