Israel is reportedly concerned that U.S. President Donald Trump may announce a premature ceasefire in Iran, potentially undermining its strategic goal of dismantling Tehran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. According to sources cited by The New York Times, senior officials in Tel Aviv fear that any early agreement could be signed off by Washington without fully understanding Iran’s commitment to its 15-point peace proposal.
In response to these concerns, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to intensify strikes on Iranian targets over the next 48 hours. Israeli media, including Channel 12, reported that the government is preparing for scenarios where a general framework agreement is reached, even if a detailed, comprehensive deal appears unlikely. Tel Aviv views the ongoing conflict as a critical opportunity to weaken Iran’s so-called Axis of Resistance, the network of Middle Eastern militias funded and armed by Tehran.
Sources indicate that Netanyahu is coordinating closely with Defence Minister Israel Katz, Mossad chief David Barnea, and IDF chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir. Officials say that if Washington announces a ceasefire, Israel may continue its operations independently to eliminate Tehran’s nuclear and missile capabilities. This approach mirrors Israel’s historical response to U.S.-brokered ceasefires in Gaza (January and October 2025) and Iran (June 2025), where strikes persisted despite formal announcements.
In Gaza, reports cited by Al Jazeera indicate that Israeli forces violated the October 2025 ceasefire over 2,000 times through air, artillery, and ground attacks. Similarly, during the June 2025 Twelve-Day War with Iran, Israel dismissed the U.S.-negotiated ceasefire after accusing Tehran of violations, while Iran denied launching any missiles post-ceasefire. Defence Minister Katz emphasized that Israel would respond forcefully to any perceived threats, directing intense strikes on regime targets to ensure its security objectives.
The situation has also triggered a tense exchange with President Trump, who is reportedly furious over Israel’s unilateral actions ahead of his planned NATO summit in The Hague. Officials in Washington are concerned that Israel’s continued military operations could complicate ongoing diplomatic efforts and undermine attempts to achieve a negotiated halt to hostilities.
Analysts say this episode highlights the fragile balance between U.S. diplomacy and Israeli military strategy in the region. While the U.S. seeks a negotiated ceasefire to stabilize the Middle East, Israel prioritizes neutralizing Iran’s nuclear threat, even if it means operating independently of American-led initiatives. With hostilities escalating, both sides face mounting pressure to coordinate their actions while managing international scrutiny.The coming days are expected to be critical in determining whether diplomatic efforts can take hold or whether Israel will continue an aggressive military campaign aimed at reshaping the regional balance of power.