“Bad Deal” fears grow in Israel as US-Iran talks progress

ALBAWABA – Israeli officials are watching the developments intently as Washington and Tehran seem on the verge of a preliminary agreement that may be in its final stages, and are concerned about the long-term implications of any such breakthrough in Tel Aviv.

The new anxiety followed a telephone meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Trump later described as positive and helpful. But behind the scenes, Israeli leaders have reportedly increased their discussions with American counterparts as talks continue on a possible solution.

Netanyahu has held a series of consultations with senior American officials and security experts to study the latest developments, Israeli and U.S. media reported. Israeli officials worry that a limited or temporary settlement might stop the crisis but not tear down Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, leaving significant problems intact and allowing Tehran more time to dig in.

There are other issues besides the nuclear issue. Security officials have been concerned that a short-term agreement would lower international pressure on Iran and diminish Washington’s leverage in future talks. And a partial agreement could make any future military option harder if diplomacy fails in the end, say some Israeli observers.

Israeli media said authorities were particularly worried about what would happen to Iran’s supply of enriched uranium and its ballistic missile capabilities, which remain among the most intractable issues in the discussions.

Meanwhile, diplomacy is active on multiple fronts. Mediators say they are seeking an initial agreement to halt hostilities, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and clear the way for larger talks. But Iranian officials have warned they do not expect nuclear issues to be settled in totality in the first phase of any deal.

The prospect of a limited compromise has revealed a widening divide between Washington’s push for de-escalation and Israel’s concerns over longer-term security threats. As negotiations have dragged on, Israeli officials appear increasingly worried that any deal will not allow Tehran to tilt the regional balance of power for years to come.

المصدر: Al Bawaba