An Israeli official rejects earlier comments from another official that Jerusalem was taken by surprise by US President Donald Trump’s reported push for an end to the war with Iran before Tehran agrees to give up its nuclear program.
“The Americans did not surprise us,” says the official. “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in continuous contact with President Donald Trump, and they hold conversations almost every day. There is direct communication between the Prime Minister’s staff and the president’s team.”
According to the official, Trump made clear that “Trump insists on his red lines, foremost among them the removal of nuclear material.”
Netanyahu, says the official, “has instructed the IDF to be prepared for any scenario, including a return to fighting if necessary.”
The White House reportedly believes it’s nearing a one-page memorandum of understanding with Iran to end the war and lay out a framework for talks on the regime’s nuclear program, and expects a response from the Islamic Republic within the next 48 hours.
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