Renewed fighting between Israel and Hezbollah could scupper the U.S-Iran deal
TEL AVIV — It was the kind of attack that could have derailed the highly anticipated truce between the United States and Iran: Israel’s military said Sunday evening it was preparing for an incoming salvo of Iranian missiles.
Read more Six key issues that could shape the U.S.-Iran deal
But the attack never came and hours later, plans for the United States and Iran to sign a more permanent ceasefire deal in Geneva were being announced.
The white-knuckle diplomatic whiplash demonstrated once again how Israel’s more focused fight against the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia in Lebanon still has the power to disrupt the broader American efforts to resolve its regionwide, monthslong war with Iran.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to comment publicly on the deal and an Israeli official briefed on the matter told NBC News that he is seeking a meeting with President Donald Trump in order to discuss it.
Read more Vance calls his ‘childless cat ladies’ comment ‘one of the dumbest things I ever said’
In recent days, Trump has publicly taken Netanyahu to task for continuing to strike Hezbollah, which Iran insists be protected from Israeli attacks under any ceasefire accord with the U.S.
“He’s a very difficult guy,” Trump said of Netanyahu in an interview with The New York Times shortly after the agreement was announced. “To be honest with you, he should be very thankful to us for doing this. Because if Iran had a nuclear weapon, Israel wouldn’t be around for two hours.”
Read more What we know about fatal Brazil helicopter crash; singer Oliver Tree among 6 passengers
