In Israel, analysts react to Trump's shift towards talks with Iran, raising questions about the country's role in the conflict.
US President Donald Trump has claimed that negotiations with Iran are underway to wind down the war, a move that has sparked confusion among Israeli analysts, according to reports from Al Jazeera.
This development follows Trump's earlier threats to launch strikes on Iran's energy infrastructure, with Iran denying any such negotiations are taking place.
Israeli Reactions to the Shift
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a video that the US aims to leverage military achievements for an agreement safeguarding interests, while Israel continues attacks in Iran and Lebanon.
Analysts like former ambassador Alon Pinkas told Al Jazeera that this could indicate Trump realizes Netanyahu may have overstated the ease of victory or viability of regime change in Iran.
Political scientist Ori Goldberg described the situation as a defeat for Netanyahu, suggesting Israel was not consulted and is being sidelined by the US in diplomatic efforts.
Despite the war being framed by Israeli leaders as a fight against an existential threat from Iran, many in Israel are unsettled by talks of a negotiated end, given ongoing Iranian attacks.
Israeli political analyst Nimrod Flashenberg noted that Israel was not expected to be involved in diplomacy and suggested that downgrading Iran's military capabilities has been achieved, ensuring long-term US commitment.
