Netanyahu: Maintaining Close Ties with US Is Vital

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has moved to ease growing tensions between Israel and the United States following the agreement between Washington and Tehran, according to the Straits Times.

Netanyahu stressed that despite differences of opinion, the partnership with the US remains crucial to Israel's security, and praised the support America provided during the conflict in the Middle East.

The agreement has nonetheless drawn widespread criticism in Israel. Analysts and several members of the governing coalition note that while the document addresses enriched uranium, it does not cover Iran's missile program, which Israel considers one of its primary security threats.

The situation was further complicated by remarks from President Donald Trump, who publicly criticized Israeli operations in Lebanon and suggested that Netanyahu had gone too far in some cases.

Netanyahu reiterated, however, that the army will remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary.

(mja)