Book Details Private Pressure on Israel-Iran Deal

A new book reports that U.S. officials used direct language to press Israeli counterparts into accepting an Iran deal. The exchanges occurred after months of public diplomacy and followed earlier public statements that Israel would face consequences if it declined.

The book states that one senior U.S. official told an Israeli leader the United States had provided extensive protection and expected cooperation in return. The same official said the Israeli leader could not withdraw from the agreement and warned that continued resistance would leave the country isolated.

The account adds that the U.S. official referenced fatigue among multiple parties, including some within the Israeli delegation on the call. It describes the tone as markedly different from the measured public messaging that preceded the final agreement.

The reported conversation took place during a period when the two governments had been discussing terms for 118 days. Public statements during that time focused on shared security interests and the possibility that Israel might proceed without additional U.S. backing.

The book presents the private remarks as the mechanism that ultimately secured Israeli acceptance. It does not include responses from Israeli officials to the specific language cited.

“I’ve done everything to protect you. You better fucking go along with this. It’s been going on for too fucking long. Everybody’s sick of you, Bibi. All the Jews are sick of you. Even the two Jews on this call are sick of you. You can’t back out of this. I’m the best friend Israel ever had. Everybody hates you, and I’ve stood by you. I’m telling you, this is a great deal for Israel.”