‘Israel’ fears US-Iran deal could limit strike options, Hebrew media says

• ‘Israeli’ officials worry US-Iran talks may yield an agreement that restricts any strike on Tehran.
• Diplomatic signals from Washington raise concerns in ‘Israel’ about acting alone militarily.

The ‘Israeli’ news site Walla reported that senior officials in ‘Israel’ fear ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran could succeed, resulting in an agreement that would constrain any future ‘Israeli’ military strike on Tehran and potentially force ‘Israel’ to act alone.

US President Donald Trump said Sunday that Tehran is “talking seriously to Washington,” while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that war would benefit neither side nor the Middle East. The statements come amid intensive diplomatic efforts to ease tensions.

Read more: US strike on Iran could come "imminently," report claims

Walla said Trump previously blocked the ‘Israeli’ Air Force from striking sensitive Iranian targets at the end of the twelve-day war in June 2025.

Sensitive intelligence shared

According to Walla, ‘Israel’ provided the United States last week with what it described as sensitive intelligence on Iran’s rehabilitation of its ballistic missile system and nuclear program. The report said the information has fueled deep concern within ‘Israel’s’ security and political leadership.

Read more: Iran army chief warns US, 'Israel' against attack, says forces on high alert

Officials fear Iran is continuing to rearm and rebuild its military capabilities, a process that could force ‘Israel’ to decide whether to act militarily with US support or independently, even at the risk of confrontation with the Trump administration.

Two core concerns

Walla said ‘Israeli’ anxiety centers on two issues. The first is Iran’s accelerated arms buildup in preparation for a future war with ‘Israel’, reportedly with backing from several countries, including China. This, the report said, requires the ‘Israeli’ army to prepare operational plans to strike and destroy Iranian capabilities, similar to or broader than the June operation.

The second concern is a shift in tone among senior US officials. While Washington continues to bolster its military presence in the region, it is simultaneously maintaining a political channel with Tehran.

Lessons from the Houthi model

Walla pointed to the US ceasefire understanding with Yemen’s Ansar Allah movement in May, reached after a wide military campaign and without ‘Israel’ being part of the agreement. The precedent, the site warned, heightens fears of a similar outcome with Iran.

The report added that Iran moved quickly after the last war with ‘Israel’ to study its failures, relocate military industries underground, restore solid-fuel production facilities for ballistic missiles destroyed by occupation forces, and disperse sites to complicate intelligence work and future strikes.

Scenarios ahead

Channel 12 reported that ‘Israel’ remains on high alert and is closely monitoring developments. The channel said there is an assessment that Trump is determined to exhaust the diplomatic track, but that his patience could run out, leading to a declaration that talks have failed.

It also cited concerns within the ‘Israeli’ military that Iran could use naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz as cover for an attack on ‘Israel’. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir was quoted as saying in recent discussions, “The coming period will be marked by uncertainty. We will not take risks, but we must not be caught by surprise.”

Channel 12 concluded that a military strike on Iran aimed at regime change remains possible, alongside another option focused on triggering internal Iranian protests.