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Israel was unaware that US President Donald Trump was possibly close to a deal with Iran that would end the war and pave the way for unblocking shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, an Israeli source familiar with the matter told Reuters.
On the contrary, Israel was preparing for an escalation of the conflict, the same source stressed. According to Israeli media, Israel's security council will meet this afternoon.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will convene his security cabinet at 7 p.m., the office of one of the ministers told the Israeli website The Times of Israel. The meeting comes amid reports that the United States and Iran are close to finalizing a memorandum of understanding to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
An Israeli official, speaking to the Israeli website Times of Israel, denied statements by another official, who said Tel Aviv was surprised by US President Donald Trump's reported pressure to end the war with Iran before Tehran agrees to abandon its nuclear program.
"The Americans did not surprise us. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in constant contact with President Donald Trump and they speak almost every day. There is direct communication between the prime minister's staff and the president's team," the official said.
He further emphasized that Donald Trump has made it clear that he "insists on his red lines, first and foremost the removal of nuclear material." Netanyahu, according to the Israeli official, "has ordered the Israeli military to be ready for any eventuality, including the resumption of hostilities, if necessary."
According to information from the Israeli website, the White House estimates that it is close to finalizing a one-page memorandum of understanding with Iran to end the war and establish a framework for negotiations regarding the regime's nuclear program, and expects a response from Tehran within the next 48 hours.
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