Israeli Prime Minister Seeks to Shape U.S.-Iran Negotiations Through Commentators

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly believes he can influence U.S. negotiations with Iran by enlisting pro-Israel commentators and lawmakers, CNN reported. The effort centers on podcaster Mark Levin, whom Netanyahu plans to use to shape the final Iran deal expected within 60 days, according to the same unnamed Israeli source cited by CNN.

A memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Iran was signed at the Palace of Versailles in France on Wednesday. The document requires all combatants, including Israel and Lebanon, to halt hostilities for the agreement to hold.

Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Thursday killed 18 people, Al Jazeera reported. Hezbollah and the Israeli government later agreed to a ceasefire scheduled for 4 p.m. local time, Reuters reported, citing a senior U.S. official. Past ceasefires between the two sides have not lasted. An earlier truce announced in April ended after four days when Israeli airstrikes resumed.

Levin, the Israeli Embassy, the Office of the Prime Minister of Israel, and the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Conservative commentator Tucker Carlson noted that Israel was not consulted during the U.S.-Iran talks and received only a copy of the outline after it was reached.