In response to the publication, Netanyahu’s office issued a brief statement calling the story “fake news.”

According to sources familiar with the matter, the report suggested that Israeli leadership is worried the U.S. administration is so determined to finalize a deal with Tehran that it might allow Iran to retain its nuclear enrichment capabilities—something Israel considers unacceptable. Israeli concerns reportedly center on the possibility of a temporary agreement that would let Iran operate its nuclear facilities for an extended period while a comprehensive deal is negotiated.

The article also stated that U.S. officials fear Israel may act unilaterally and without much warning, with intelligence assessments indicating that a strike could be carried out in as little as seven hours. Some officials were cited as saying that Netanyahu might even proceed with a military strike regardless of whether a diplomatic agreement is reached.

High-level meetings were reported to have taken place recently, including discussions in Rome between Netanyahu’s minister of strategic affairs, Ron Dermer, and the head of Mossad, David Barnea, with a senior U.S. envoy. The pair then traveled to Washington for talks with the CIA director, followed by further meetings in the U.S. capital.

A core issue in the talks between Washington and Tehran continues to be the U.S. demand for Iran to dismantle its nuclear enrichment infrastructure, a condition Iran has so far refused to accept.

Earlier this week, U.S. Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem revealed that she had a “very candid conversation” with Netanyahu regarding the negotiations. She said she conveyed President Trump’s message stressing the importance of unity and patience as the process unfolds.

Recent U.S. policy moves in the Middle East—including a presidential visit that did not include Israel—have raised questions about the current state of U.S.-Israel relations. Despite these developments, both Netanyahu and Trump have downplayed any suggestion of a rift between their governments.