The announcement of an initial deal between the U.S. and Iran sparked anger among Israelis from various political perspectives. Many viewed this development as detrimental to Israel and focused their criticism on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a press briefing, Netanyahu asserted that regardless of the agreement, he would persist in his efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran has consistently claimed its nuclear program is for civilian purposes.
Netanyahu emphasized his unwavering stance, stating, “As long as I am the prime minister of Israel, it will not happen.” He highlighted that the agreement stems from the U.S., not Israel, and clarified that he didn’t concede to Iran’s demand for Israel to withdraw from Lebanon.
“Iran wanted us to withdraw from there, but that did not happen. Do you know why it didn’t happen, among other reasons? Because I stood very, very firm,” Netanyahu said.
Despite his assertions, other Israeli government officials, political rivals, and commentators quickly condemned the preliminary deal. This criticism marks an informal referendum on Netanyahu’s leadership as elections approach, highlighting his increasing isolation both domestically and internationally.
Critics claim Netanyahu influenced President Donald Trump to engage with Iran but overpromised on the outcomes. They argue that Trump might now be pulling Israel out of the conflict prematurely. Netanyahu is accused of underestimating Trump’s willingness for a prolonged conflict, being outmaneuvered by Iran in negotiations, and becoming more detached from other regional players.
Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak voiced his impeachment, stating that Netanyahu’s actions have strengthened Iran while weakening Israel. “Israel is paying the price of Netanyahu’s hubris and blindness, and the price of the manipulations that he tried to pull on Trump,” Barak said, concluding that Netanyahu failed strategically.
Yair Lapid, another prominent political figure challenging Netanyahu in upcoming elections, described the deal extending a ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran as a significant failure in Israel’s foreign and security policy traced back to Netanyahu.
Lapid stated, “It can be fixed, it must be fixed… Netanuyahu can no longer fix it, we will do it.”
Israel finds itself in a difficult position due to its involvement in southern Lebanon after Hezbollah attacks. Iran insisted that any deal should include halting Israeli hostilities in the region. Defense Minister Israel Katz pledged to maintain troop presence in Lebanon.
President Trump, initially intolerant of Israeli strikes in Beirut, eventually decided to conclude the conflict with Iran, potentially narrowing Israel’s options in Lebanon. This situation pressures Netanyahu to potentially reduce a military campaign in Lebanon, despite its domestic popularity.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Daniel Shapiro, explained that Hezbollah holds leverage over Israel through potential attacks on northern Israeli towns. He warned of escalating pressure on Netanyahu from both sides of the political spectrum.
Shapiro noted, “It’s going to be very hard to resist that…And that gives a lot of power to control this dynamic to Hezbollah, and essentially to Iran.”
Some members of Netanyahu’s coalition criticized the deal and urged continuation of operations in Lebanon despite potential U.S. disapproval.
“We must not compromise on anything less than the dismantling of Hezbollah,” wrote ultranationalist national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, on social media.
In Iran, the deal hindered Netanyahu’s objectives before reaching his military goals. Despite efforts to dismantle Iran’s nuclear plans since late February, Iran has gained strength and continues its proxy activities against Israel.
Analysts and critics point out that Iran’s influence over the Strait of Hormuz remains strong, affecting global trade and prices. The impact on Iran’s nuclear capabilities also remains uncertain.
Political commentator Anna Barsky from Ma’ariv newspaper mentioned Israeli officials’ concerns over cash influx to Iran post-agreement.
An agreement is expected to proceed with gradual sanction lifting and releasing frozen Iranian assets. Former party leader and general, Yair Golan, criticized Trump’s decision, stating the deal funnels funds to Iran, maintaining threats, and supports Tehran’s regime.