Israel fears Trump seeking Hormuz win while sidestepping Iran nuclear issue
While President Donald Trump keeps pressuring Iran on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, Israel fears the American leader will decide to cut his losses and sideline the nuclear threat.
TEL AVIV — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could have much to gain from the stalemate in US-Iran negotiations and the new US operation to ease Iran’s chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz.
Netanyahu is holding intense nightly deliberations over Israel’s options. President Donald Trump, who has publicly requested a pardon for Netanyahu, has said the Israeli leader needs to be free to make crucial decisions on the war with Iran.
Netanyahu, who at the start of his trial over five years ago insisted he could run the affairs of state while standing trial, has skipped numerous court appearances citing the exigencies of Israel’s wars since the 2023 Hamas assault. Over the past year, Netanyahu has requested to postpone or shorten his testimony dozens of times. On April, 10 he asked to suspend two weeks of sessions, but the court refused, agreeing only to shorten some hearings. On April 29, he again sought a delay and was denied. On Tuesday he requested a shorter session, which the court approved.
Unblocking Hormuz
