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Roman Gofman, considered one of Netanyahu’s closest confidants, is scheduled to meet CIA Director John Ratcliffe.
US President Donald Trump points his finger towards Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a press conference in Palm Beach, Florida. (Source: Reuters)
Another Iran war looming? Roman Gofman, the director of Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad, landed in Washington on Friday for discussions with senior officials of the US President Donald Trump administration over the war in Iranaccording to Axios. His visit comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pressing US President Donald Trump to resume military action against Tehran.
Gofman, considered one of Netanyahu’s closest confidants, is scheduled to meet CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Axios reported quoting sources. He is also expected to travel to Miami for a meeting with White House envoy Steve Witkoff, one of the sources said.
Mossad, the CIA and the White House have declined to comment on the visit, Axios reported.
The discussions come amid differences between Washington and Tel Aviv over the next course of action against Iran. While Netanyahu wants the military campaign to resumeTrump has so far resisted calls to return to combat.
Trump favours continued pressure on Iran
Trump and Netanyahu discussed the Iran war during a telephone conversation on November 5, according to a US official. However, the US president has instead backed an approach supported by Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, which involves continuing the naval blockade and economic pressure on Iran while exploring the possibility of reaching a deal.
Speaking on Thursday, Trump said he could end the conflict immediately but was extending the current approach at the request of countries he wanted to protect.
At A Glance
Mossad director Roman Gofman traveled to Washington on Friday for discussions with senior US officials regarding Iran.
US President Donald Trump has resisted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s calls to resume military action against Iran.
Netanyahu lost his parliamentary majority following the October 27 election in Israel.
Political opponent Gadi Eisenkot received a mandate to form a new Israeli government.
“I could end it immediately. At the request of the nations that I’m looking to protect, we are doing it a little bit longer way, a little bit more civilly,” he said.
Trump added that Saudi Arabia had asked him to maintain the existing situation for some time, arguing that Iran was “disintegrating”. He also said Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE and Bahrain preferred the waiting period to continue.
Netanyahu faces political uncertainty at home
The diplomatic developments are also unfolding amid political uncertainty in Israel. Netanyahu has lost his parliamentary majority following the October 27 election, while his political opponent Gadi Eisenkot has received a mandate to form a new government.
However, it remains unclear whether Eisenkot will be able to secure the support needed to form the government. If successful, he would replace Netanyahu as prime minister.
Meanwhile, leaders of the Israeli opposition are concerned that Netanyahu could launch an attack on Iran or provoke Tehran into striking Israel to weaken Eisenkot’s efforts to form a government, according to sources cited in the report.
On Thursday, Netanyahu held a two-hour meeting with Eisenkot and briefed him on the situation involving Iran.
A source close to Eisenkot said he did not believe the prevailing circumstances required immediate military action against Iran.
Eisenkot warns against using security for political gains
Eisenkot said in a statement on Friday that he had met Netanyahu and his military secretary earlier in the week. He said he had made it clear that he would not allow a lack of oversight over the prime minister’s actions during the transition between governments.
“For me, Israel’s security takes precedence over every other consideration and must never be used as a means of political capital. This is also what I expect of all officeholders,” Eisenkot said.
Quick Answers
Ask News18Mossad director Roman Gofman traveled to Washington for discussions with senior officials of the US President Donald Trump administration over the war in Iran. His visit coincides with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pressing US President Donald Trump to resume military action against Tehran.
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Shuddhanta Patra is an Indian journalist with about nine years of experience in covering national politics, geopolitics, defence, diplomacy and international affairs. Her reporting focuses on South As…Read More
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