Netanyahu Reaffirms Israel's Freedom of Action Amid US-Iran Negotiations

On May 24, 2026 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told U.S. President Donald Trump that Israel would stay free to act against threats in Lebanon. The unnamed Israeli source called the call “very well” and noted Trump’s explicit support for Israel’s unrestricted action.

The Jerusalem PostReuters

The call came amid a war that began in February 2026 after the United States and Israel launched a campaign against Iran, keeping the Strait of Hormuz shut. Pakistan-mediated talks are reportedly shaping a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to reopen the strait, address Iran’s nuclear program, and outline a final settlement of remaining disputes.

Reuters

The Israeli source says Washington is briefing Israel on the talks and that Trump will “stand firm” on dismantling Iran’s nuclear program and removing all enriched uranium. Trump later posted on Truth Social that the call with Netanyahu had gone “very well,” reinforcing his public endorsement of Israel’s freedom of action.

ReutersThe Jerusalem Post

Former Defense Minister Benny Gantz warned that a ceasefire in Lebanon would be a strategic mistake for Israel amid the clash with Hezbollah. A New York Times report cited two Israeli defense officials who say Israel is “almost entirely out of the loop” on the U.S.–Iran talks, indicating a gap between official statements and on-the-ground awareness. An Axios source said Netanyahu’s demeanor after a tense call was that his “hair … on fire,” reflecting internal frustration.

The Jerusalem Post

The Israeli source claims regular U.S. briefings, while the New York Times says Israel is largely excluded from the negotiations. The draft MOU’s enforcement mechanisms and timetable for reopening the Strait of Hormuz remain undisclosed.

Reuters

• “In last night's conversation with President Trump, the Prime Minister emphasized that Israel will maintain freedom of action against threats in all arenas, including Lebanon, and President Trump reiterated and supported this principle,” — Israeli political source

The Jerusalem Post

• “President Trump made it clear that he will stand firm in negotiations on his consistent demand for the dismantling of the Iranian nuclear program and the removal of all enriched uranium from its territory,” — Israeli political source

Reuters

• “Axios quoted a US source as saying Netanyahu's "hair was on fire" after a phone call with Trump on the subject of the Iran talks.” — Axios source

The Jerusalem Post

• “Trump wrote on Truth Social that a call with Netanyahu had gone "very well".” — Donald Trump, Truth Social post

Reuters

Analysts expect a draft “letter of intent” to circulate within days, starting a month-long negotiation period. If the MOU is finalized, the Strait of Hormuz could reopen and the Iran-nuclear dispute may move toward resolution, while Israel continues to assert its right to act independently against Lebanese threats.

Reuters