Jerusalem, June 18 (UNI)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly seeking to influence the next phase of US-Iran negotiations by rallying support among conservative media personalities and pro-Israel lawmakers in Washington, according to a CNN report.

Netanyahu and many members of Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, have remained deeply sceptical of Iran’s intentions throughout the diplomatic process, arguing that Tehran is not negotiating in good faith and is unlikely to make meaningful concessions regarding its nuclear programme.

Israel has neither publicly endorsed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) reached between Washington and Tehran nor participated directly in the negotiations that produced the agreement. The exclusion has further fuelled concerns and scepticism within Israeli political and security circles.

Although the MoU has initiated a 60-day period of negotiations aimed at reaching a comprehensive settlement, Netanyahu reportedly believes that a final agreement remains far from certain.

According to sources cited by CNN, the Israeli leader is working to strengthen opposition to the deal among influential conservative voices in Washington and within Republican political circles.

Among the agreement’s vocal critics is conservative commentator and pro-Israel broadcaster Mark Levin, who described the deal as one that “doesn't make any sense” and criticised the proposed reconstruction fund for Iran as a “slush fund.”

Netanyahu is also expected to rely on support from pro-Israel members of the US Congress to shape the debate surrounding the ongoing negotiations.

However, not all Republican lawmakers share the same concerns. Several GOP figures who previously advocated a tougher stance on Iran have expressed support for the diplomatic process. Senator Lindsey Graham, a leading Republican voice on national security issues, stated earlier this week that an agreement with Iran “will be beneficial to the United States.”

The CNN report further stated that Netanyahu has informed President Donald Trump that Israel does not consider itself bound by provisions in the MoU related to Lebanon. Those provisions reportedly call for the immediate withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from southern Lebanon and a permanent cessation of hostilities across all fronts.

While Israel has scaled back some military operations in Lebanon under pressure from Washington, Israeli officials have maintained that military forces will remain deployed until the threat posed by Hezbollah is adequately addressed.

Officials from Israel and Lebanon continue discussions on possible arrangements to resolve tensions linked to the Iran-backed militant group and to prevent further escalation along the border.

Tehran, June 15 (Sputnik/UNI)

Iran has confirmed the completion of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United States; it will be signed in Switzerland on June 19, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said.

"The text of the Memorandum of Understanding has been finalised, and the official signing of the memorandum will take place in Switzerland on Friday," Gharibabadi said live on Iranian state television. The lifting of the US naval blockade against Iran will begin on the night of Monday, he said.

The Iran-US memorandum includes an immediate cessation of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon, starting on the night of Monday, Gharibabadi confirmed.

"This memorandum does not signify trust in the enemy. The memorandum was drafted with no confidence in it. We will monitor the actions of the United States, as well as its fulfillment of its obligations," he noted.

Iran will discuss sanctions relief, nuclear issues, and economic recovery with the United States after signing a memorandum on June 19, the deputy foreign minister added.

000