Israeli officials alarmed by reported US-Iran military ‘deconfliction channel’

The reported plan has also prompted Israeli officials to question the current state of Jerusalem’s relationship with Washington.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Israeli officials are expressing concern over reports that the United States and Iran are preparing to establish a military deconfliction channel, with some warning the arrangement could undermine Israel’s security and strengthen Tehran.

Vice President JD Vance discussed the reported initiative in an interview with the British news outlet UnHerd, saying the United States and Iran have established a deconfliction mechanism between U.S. Central Command and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

According to Vance, the arrangement would place an IRGC representative in Doha alongside a CENTCOM representative to address disputes and reduce the risk of military friction between the two sides.

Israeli journalist Ben Caspit reported that the proposal has generated alarm among senior Israeli officials.

Caspit quoted a senior Israeli diplomatic source as describing the development as “completely insane,” saying it would create a significant security risk while strengthening both the Iranian regime and Tehran’s nuclear program.

According to Caspit, the reported plan has also prompted Israeli officials to question the current state of Jerusalem’s relationship with Washington.

He further reported that a source close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Israeli leader is considering whether to publicly challenge President Donald Trump over the issue despite concerns that doing so would be “very dangerous.”

The reported concerns come as military coordination between Israel and the United States continues.

CENTCOM commander Gen. Brad Cooper visited Israel on Thursday for discussions on continued military coordination. He also remains in regular contact with IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir.

At the same time, Israeli officials are reviewing the future scope of intelligence sharing with the United States in light of the reported developments. Netanyahu has convened several urgent meetings to discuss the issue, according to the reports.

The reported deconfliction mechanism would establish direct military communication between U.S. Central Command and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps through representatives stationed in Doha.

Israeli officials cited by Caspit said they view the proposed arrangement as carrying significant strategic implications, while military coordination between the United States and Israel continues through ongoing contacts between senior defense officials.