A senior U.S. diplomat indicated that “we already had some high-level contacts” with the government of Prime Minister Bennett regarding the Vienna talks, adding: “We respect that they have a different point of view. I think they respect ours and we are going to try to talk and be as transparent and as coordinated as possible so that the ultimate goal, which we share, is one that is pursued as effectively as possible”. The same day, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid stated that Israel sought “to explain, demonstrate and prove its case to the Americans through intimate clandestine contacts. After all, we do agree on the fundamental principle that Iran must not be allowed to achieve military nuclear capabilities. We believe this way is effective, correct and serves Israel’s national security better than the previous way”.