President Donald Trump announced that he had a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu on Monday to discuss matters related to Iran. He described the exchange as positive and noted, “trying to avoid death and destruction.”
Trump also remarked that the United States is currently heavily engaged with Iran diplomatically, commenting, “a lot of work with Iran now,” and characterizing the Iranians as “tough negotiators.”
The timing of the call coincided with Trump’s efforts to expedite humanitarian assistance into Gaza and to push Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions.
In the wake of the discussion between Trump and Netanyahu, the Israeli leader is set to convene a security cabinet session. Defense Minister Yisroel Katz, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir are expected to take part.
Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer will also be present, along with high-ranking security officials including the IDF Chief of Staff, the Mossad director, and the head of the Shin Bet, according to reports from Israeli media.
During an earlier call in May, which followed a shooting incident involving Israeli embassy personnel in Washington, Trump cautioned Netanyahu against making moves that could undermine ongoing nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Trump made it clear to Netanyahu that “this is not the time to escalate the situation while he is trying to resolve the issues.”
A senior official at the White House said that Trump conveyed his desire for a peaceful resolution with Iran and stressed that he “did not want anything to interfere with that.”
The official reiterated that Trump’s guidance to Netanyahu was “this is not the time to escalate the situation while he is trying to resolve the issues.”
Trump reminded Netanyahu that “the second option is still on the table,” though he indicated a strong preference for a diplomatic path first.
According to the senior official, Trump “encouraged Netanyahu to act cautiously” during their conversation.
{Matzav.com}