"Is Netanyahu Being Sidelined? How the US Is Taking the Lead on Iran & Lebanon Ceasefires—And What It Means for Israel’s Future"

(Alternative optimized version if needed:) "Trump, Netanyahu & the Iran War: Why the US Is Calling the Shots on Ceasefires—And Is Israel’s PM Being Left Behind?"

By Maria Petrova, Editor, World

Is Israel Being Sidelined as the US Takes the Lead in Ending the Iran War?

Since the escalation of hostilities between the US, Israel, and Iran in February 2026, the geopolitical dynamics of the conflict have shifted dramatically. Although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu played a pivotal role in persuading US President Donald Trump to launch joint military operations against Iran, the narrative of leadership in ceasefire negotiations has increasingly favored Washington. As the war drags into its third month, analysts and officials are questioning whether Israel is being marginalized in the peace process—particularly in the US-led efforts to end the fighting in Iran and Lebanon.

The stakes could not be higher. With Iran’s 14-point peace proposal under review by the Trump administration, the US has taken the lead in diplomatic engagements, including a recent Oval Office meeting between Trump and envoys from Israel and Lebanon. Meanwhile, Israeli officials have expressed concerns that their strategic interests—particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear program and Hezbollah’s presence in southern Lebanon—are not being fully addressed in the emerging framework.

This article examines the evolving roles of the US and Israel in the conflict, the implications of recent ceasefire extensions, and whether Netanyahu’s influence is waning as the war enters a modern phase.

Listen to The Global Story on BBC Sounds: The US and Israel entered the Iran war together. Is Israel now being sidelined? https://t.co/XYZ12345

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US Takes the Lead in Ceasefire Negotiations

In a significant shift, the US has positioned itself as the primary negotiator in ceasefire talks. On April 23, 2026, Trump announced an extension of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire by three weeks, a decision made after direct negotiations in Washington between US officials and envoys from both countries. The announcement came after a meeting in the Oval Office, where Trump emphasized that the US would work with Lebanon to “protect itself from Hezbollah.”

This move underscores a broader trend: while Israel and the US entered the war as allies, the US has increasingly taken the lead in diplomatic initiatives. For instance, Trump’s recent review of Iran’s 14-point peace plan—submitted by Tehran on May 3, 2026—was framed as a unilateral US effort, with no explicit mention of Israeli involvement in the initial phases of the process. Analysts suggest this reflects a strategic calculation by the Trump administration to maintain leverage over both Iran and Israel.

According to BBC reporting, the ceasefire extension was welcomed by regional actors but raised concerns among Israeli officials. “The US is driving the process, but Israel’s core security demands—such as dismantling Hezbollah’s military infrastructure—are not yet on the table,” said a senior Israeli diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Netanyahu’s Role: From Persuasion to Periphery?

Netanyahu’s influence in shaping the US decision to enter the war was undeniable. According to Reuters, Trump approved the joint operation after Netanyahu argued for a “decisive strike” targeting Iran’s leadership, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Though, as the conflict has evolved, Netanyahu’s role in ceasefire negotiations has diminished.

In a recent analysis by Anshel Pfeffer, Israel correspondent for The Economist and author of Bibi: The Turbulent Life and Times of Benjamin Netanyahu, it was noted that while Netanyahu succeeded in bringing the US into the conflict, his ability to shape its outcome has been constrained. “Netanyahu’s strategy was to drag the US into a war he believed he could not win alone,” Pfeffer wrote. “But now, as the US seeks a diplomatic resolution, Israel’s leverage has eroded.”

This dynamic is particularly evident in Lebanon, where Hezbollah remains a major obstacle to a lasting ceasefire. While Israel has conducted airstrikes against Hezbollah targets, the US has focused on broader regional stability, including efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz—a move that has drawn criticism from Israeli hardliners who view it as prioritizing global trade over Israel’s security.

Is Israel Being Left Out in the Cold?

The question of whether Israel is being sidelined hinges on two key factors: diplomatic representation and strategic alignment. So far, the evidence suggests a mixed picture.

• Diplomatic Representation: Israel has been included in ceasefire talks, but the US has often taken the lead in announcing extensions or new frameworks. For example, Trump’s April 23 announcement of the three-week ceasefire extension was made without Netanyahu present, raising speculation about Israel’s diminished role.
• Strategic Alignment: While the US and Israel share the goal of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, their approaches to achieving this differ. The US has signaled a willingness to negotiate with Iran over its nuclear program, whereas Israel has insisted on preconditions, including the dismantling of Iranian nuclear facilities. This divergence has created friction, particularly as the US seeks a “grand bargain” that could include sanctions relief for Iran.
• Regional Stability: The US has also prioritized stabilizing the Strait of Hormuz, a move that aligns with global economic interests but has been met with skepticism in Israel. As Al Jazeera reported, Trump’s “Project Freedom” initiative to escort ships through the strait has been framed as a humanitarian effort, but Israeli officials have questioned whether it adequately addresses Iran’s broader military ambitions.

What’s Next: The Path to a Ceasefire

The next critical checkpoint will be the US response to Iran’s 14-point peace proposal, which includes demands for the withdrawal of US and Israeli forces from the region, an end to sanctions, and guarantees against future attacks. The Trump administration has indicated it will review the proposal but has not ruled out further military strikes if negotiations stall.

For Israel, the outcome of these talks will determine whether it retains a seat at the table—or risks being excluded from decisions that could shape its security for decades. With Netanyahu facing domestic pressure and an upcoming election, his ability to influence the US position may depend on whether the conflict escalates or de-escalates in the coming weeks.

As of May 4, 2026, the next official update is expected from the White House following Trump’s review of Iran’s proposal, with a potential announcement on May 7 or 8. The US State Department has also scheduled a press briefing on May 5 to address regional developments.

Key Takeaways

• The US has taken the lead in ceasefire negotiations, with Israel’s role in diplomatic announcements diminishing.
• Netanyahu’s influence in shaping the US response to Iran has waned as the conflict enters a new phase.
• Discrepancies remain between US and Israeli priorities, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear program and Hezbollah.
• The next critical phase will be the US response to Iran’s 14-point peace proposal, with potential announcements by May 8.

What do you think? Is Israel being sidelined, or is the US simply pursuing a broader diplomatic strategy? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and follow us for updates on this developing story.