US hides agreement text, tensions rise in Israel: Tel Aviv's request rejected

According to reports in the Israeli press, the Tel Aviv administration wanted to access the details of the memorandum of understanding to be signed between the US and Iran. However, as reported by Channel 12 television, the US administration gave a negative response to this request from Israel.

The report stated that Israel still does not fully know the scope of the agreement, which was announced to be signed in Switzerland on Friday. The fact that the memorandum of understanding has not yet been made public has also increased uncertainty in Tel Aviv.

Disturbed Israel

Although the memorandum of understanding has not been officially published, some claims reflected in the press have caused controversy in Israel. Accordingly, it was alleged that the 14-article agreement includes topics such as the withdrawal of the Israeli army from southern Lebanon, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the lifting of sanctions imposed on Iran, and the release of frozen Iranian assets.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also drew attention to the uncertainty regarding the content of the agreement in a previous statement, saying, "We still do not know what the agreement will be."

Tel Aviv found the agreement "shocking"

Israeli officials described the agreement reached between the US and Iran as "shocking." According to the Tel Aviv administration, the fact that the agreement specifically covers Lebanon and contains articles regarding Israel's military presence in the region was evaluated as a development contrary to Israel's expectations.

The fact that the US-Iran agreement also includes the Lebanon file has opened the door to a new debate in Israeli domestic politics. Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz had argued that they would not withdraw from the occupied territories in southern Lebanon.

Trump: Israel wouldn't exist without us

US President Donald Trump made notable statements regarding Israel at the G7 Summit. Stating that the final details were being discussed, Trump argued that the US plays a critical role for Israel.

Trump said, "If it weren't for us, if it weren't for the US, Israel wouldn't exist. If it weren't for me, Israel wouldn't exist because no president was willing to do what I did."

Describing his relationship with Netanyahu as "great," Trump nevertheless sent a message to the Israeli Prime Minister that he must act more carefully regarding Lebanon. Trump stated, "I have a great relationship with Bibi, but now Bibi has to act more responsibly regarding Lebanon."

The US President also added, "If I hadn't gotten involved, Israel would have been blown up long ago," highlighting Washington's role in the process.

Signing date for US-Iran agreement set

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had announced that an agreement had been reached between the US and Iran. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi also confirmed the agreement and announced that the memorandum of understanding would be signed in Switzerland on June 19.

US President Trump also announced that the agreement with Iran was completed, the Strait of Hormuz would be opened, and the US naval blockade would be lifted.

Claims that the agreement specifically covers the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions, Iranian assets, and Lebanon have turned the attention of all actors in the region to the signing ceremony to be held in Switzerland.

Eyes on the signing ceremony in Switzerland

The allegation that the US rejected Israel's request to see the memorandum of understanding has emerged as a new point of tension on the Washington-Tel Aviv line. While the signing of the agreement and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz increase expectations for relief in energy markets, the articles regarding the military positions of Lebanon and Israel are of critical importance in terms of regional balances.