ISLAMABAD: Israeli government has apparently ignored the high-stakes US-Iran negotiations held in Pakistan’s capital, creating a perception of deliberate sidelining at the public level.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposed the talks from the outset, preferring continued US and Israeli military pressure on Iran rather than diplomatic engagement.
International media outlets including BBC and Times of Israel reported that Netanyahu appeared unaware until the last moments of President Trump’s decision for a tentative truce, only adjusting his position amid growing global unease.
No formal Israeli reaction emerged after the 21-hour marathon talks in Islamabad concluded without any immediate agreement between Washington and Tehran.
Regional reports and international coverage confirm the absence of an official Israeli statement, despite Pakistan’s mediation role in hosting the landmark direct negotiations.
In sharp contrast, Israeli media detailed a significant military move following the talks’ collapse.
The Israel Defense Forces chief of staff ordered the military to high alert status, a level comparable to preparations ahead of previous large-scale operations.
Israeli outlets such as Ynetnews reported that Lt Gen Eyal Zamir instructed forces to heighten readiness for possible renewed confrontation with Iran.
Intelligence units expanded target banks while the air force prepared updated strike packages, according to these accounts.
The failed negotiations lasted over 21 hours, with US Vice President JD Vance leading the American side and Iranian officials pressing core demands on nuclear rights and sanctions relief.
Differences centered on Iran’s nuclear programme, control of the Strait of Hormuz, and regional security arrangements.
Oil tanker traffic through the strategic waterway slowed markedly, fuelling market volatility and global energy concerns.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar described the sessions as intensive and constructive, urging both sides to preserve the ceasefire spirit and pursue broader regional peace.
Yet the lack of breakthrough left the fragile two-week truce in doubt, with Trump later indicating potential US blockade measures on Hormuz shipping.
Netanyahu had earlier backed a temporary suspension of strikes on Iran but maintained that operations against proxies, including in Lebanon, would continue separately.
Israeli opposition voices criticised the handling of the ceasefire, with some labelling it a diplomatic shortfall amid ongoing tensions.
The Islamabad talks marked the first high-level face-to-face US-Iran engagement in decades, drawing worldwide attention to Pakistan’s neutral mediation efforts.
Global reactions highlighted worries over escalation risks, with calls for sustained diplomacy to avert wider conflict.
Energy markets reacted nervously to the impasse, as any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could spike oil prices by significant margins given the waterway’s role in 20 percent of global oil transit.
Israeli forces remain on heightened defensive posture, observing the Iran ceasefire while preparing contingencies.
Reports indicate no immediate decision for new strikes, yet the alert level signals readiness for rapid response if diplomacy falters further.
Analysts note that Netanyahu’s preference for military leverage over talks aligns with long-standing Israeli security doctrine against Iranian nuclear advances.
The absence of public Israeli commentary on the Pakistan-hosted process underscores deep scepticism toward outcomes that might constrain future operations.
As tensions linger, the region watches closely whether renewed negotiations or military posturing will define the next phase.
Pakistan continues to position itself as a bridge for dialogue, emphasising the need for de-escalation to foster prosperity across the Middle East.
The developments carry profound implications for global security, energy stability, and the fragile balance of power in West Asia.
