A Red Line has been Crossed

US President Donald J. Trump has made concessions on behalf of Israel in negotiations with Iran without being authorized to do so by Jerusalem. This is dangerous in and of itself. Yes, halting Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah harms Israel’s security but the very notion that the US can make Israeli concessions without Israel’s permission is extremely dangerous. If this is allowed to pass, who knows what future concessions from Israel the US will offer to Israel’s enemies, including potentially to the Palestinian Authority? Furthermore, by including Israel in the MoU against Israel’s will, the US has unintentionally given Israel a veto over the entire diplomatic process between the US and Iran. If Israel refuses the imposition of a ceasefire in its conflict with Hezbollah, Jerusalem will probably be able to undo the Memorandum of Understanding since Iran will likely not adhere to it and this is very much in Israel’s interest. The Memorandum is dangerous, far worse than the JCPOA and must therefore be resisted.