Trump Describes Netanyahu as "Distracted" Over Possible Iran Deal

President Donald Trump declined to label Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as "worried" or "panicked" when discussing his reaction to a potential agreement currently being drafted with Iran. Instead, Trump described Netanyahu as "distracted," according to the Hebrew site Netsiv.

The site reported that Trump's remarks came during an interview conducted by Israeli journalist Barak Ravid for Axios. Trump explained that Netanyahu is caught in a dilemma between diplomacy and military action, noting that some individuals within Israel's political and security establishments favor reaching a diplomatic agreement, while others advocate for resuming military strikes.

Trump stated that Netanyahu is positioned in the middle and holds differing views regarding the proposed deal.

According to the Hebrew source, Trump sought to downplay reports suggesting tension or panic within Israel. He explicitly rejected claims that Netanyahu was "panicked" or "worried" about the United States signing a "bad deal," preferring to use terms like "distracted" or "divided against himself."

While Trump portrayed Netanyahu as "distracted," officials in Tel Aviv presented a contrasting picture, emphasizing that Netanyahu is highly concerned about the draft nuclear agreement. Reports indicate that the draft does not include a complete dismantling of Iran's nuclear program and leaves strategic assets in Iranian hands.

The officials stated that Netanyahu is pressuring the White House to reject the diplomatic agreement and instead pursue another round of military strikes against Iran.

They cited emergency meetings held by Netanyahu around the clock following developments between Washington and Tehran as evidence of this stance.

Iranian Concessions and U.S. Pressure

The sources concluded that this situation reflects a prevailing sentiment in Israel that the discussed agreement is "very bad" and that precautionary measures must be taken in response to these developments, according to the Hebrew site.