Trump’s message to Netanyahu was that “this is not the time to escalate the situation while he is trying to resolve the issues.”

Trump and other senior US officials have expressed increasing concern in private talks that Netanyahu might order a military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities or take other actions that could sabotage diplomatic efforts, said the senior White House official.

Last week, Walla reported that Israel is preparing for the possibility of a rapid strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities if negotiations between Iran and the US fail in the coming weeks. In Israel, it is estimated that the window of opportunity for a successful strike might close soon.

Netanyahu’s close associate, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, arrived in Washington on Monday together with Mossad chief David Barnea. The two met with Vice President JD Vance, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and other senior American officials to discuss the negotiations with Iran.

The call between Trump and Netanyahu took place last Thursday, following a shooting attack in Washington in which two Israeli embassy staff were killed.

According to the senior White House official, Trump told Netanyahu that he wants to reach a diplomatic solution with Iran and “does not want anything to interfere with that.”

The official said Trump’s message to Netanyahu was that “this is not the time to escalate the situation while he is trying to resolve the issues.”

Trump emphasized to Netanyahu that “the second option is still on the table,” but he prefers to first see if a diplomatic solution can be reached.

The senior White House official added that during the call, “President Trump encouraged Netanyahu to act cautiously.”

Channel 12 reported on Monday that the call between Trump and Netanyahu was “tense.”

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said at a press conference last Thursday that Trump “clearly explained” to Netanyahu that he wants to see a deal with Iran.

“He does not want to take the harder, more negative option. He wants to see a deal. The President is a dealmaker and strongly believes in diplomacy — and he made that clear to the prime minister,” Lewitt said.

Kristi Noem's Jerusalem visit

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem met with Netanyahu on Sunday in Jerusalem and again conveyed Trump’s message about the need to avoid steps that would sabotage talks with Iran, according to an Israeli official.

Noem told Fox News on Monday that she had an “open and direct conversation” with Netanyahu and conveyed Trump’s message regarding the need to “stay united and let this process move forward.”

According to her, the negotiation process with Iran will not drag on for weeks or months, and Trump will make a decision within days. An Israeli source said Noem told Netanyahu: “Give us a week.”

“I spoke with the prime minister and asked him to work with President Trump to ensure we make wise decisions together. He wants Benjamin Netanyahu and himself to be on the same page,” Noem said.

The Prime Minister’s Office declined to comment

White House envoy Steve Witkoff met on Friday with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Rome for the fifth round of nuclear talks.

On Sunday, Trump said that there had been “real progress” in the negotiations and added that “there will be good news” on this matter later in the week.