Israeli spy agency Mossad warned US Congressmen earlier this year against imposing new sanctions on Iran, saying the move would almost certainly sabotage negotiations.

During a visit of those Congressmen to Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tried to prevent Mossad from briefing them on the danger of the sanctions, cancelling the meeting. It was eventually restored by Ambassador Dermer at the insistence of Sen. Bob Corker (R – TN).

Netanyahu has made clear his opposition to the talks, and has pushed for sanctions very much with an eye on ruining the negotiations. He feared Mossad telling the US officials of the consequence would harm the chances of getting those sanctions imposed.

Mossad’s warning did generate some opposition to the sanctions, and was also the impetus behind House Speaker John Boehner (R – OH) convincing Netanyahu to visit this month and deliver a speech demanding sanctions, with an eye toward undercutting what Mossad had told them.