Israeli Leaders Outraged by U.S.-Iran Deal, Hold Netanyahu Accountable for Weakness on Lebanon
Israel’s political leaders united in condemning the U.S.-Iran interim nuclear deal, criticizing Prime Minister Netanyahu for failing to defend Israeli interests and allowing Iran and its proxies to threaten Israel from Lebanon.
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Jerusalem – Israeli officials and opposition figures voiced strong outrage on Monday after the United States announced an interim agreement with Iran, which many see as a dangerous concession to Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his commitment to opposing any Iranian nuclear capability, stressing that the deal was orchestrated by Washington without Israel’s consent, and noting that Iran’s demand for an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon was rightfully rejected.
Other members of the government and senior politicians, including former prime minister Ehud Barak and opposition leader Yair Lapid, accused Netanyahu of strategic failures that have weakened Israel’s position. Barak argued that Israel is now paying the price for Netanyahu’s lack of resolve, while Lapid called the agreement “one of the most shocking failures in Israel’s foreign and security policy,” vowing to restore Israel’s strength and security.
The deal, which is expected to extend the cease-fire between the United States and Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, also contains provisions that Iran wants to link to a halt in Israeli operations in Lebanon. Despite U.S. pressure, Defense Minister Israel Katz made it clear that Israeli troops would remain in Lebanon to confront Hezbollah and protect Israeli citizens, even if it risks undermining the U.S. deal.
Former U.S. ambassador to Israel Daniel Shapiro warned that any escalation by Hezbollah could further constrain Netanyahu, as the agreement may limit Israel’s ability to respond forcefully to attacks from the Iranian-backed terrorist group. National security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir urged the government to stand firm and not compromise on dismantling Hezbollah, regardless of U.S. demands or diplomatic pressure.
Analysts pointed out that the war, launched on February 28, has not succeeded in stopping Iran’s nuclear program, with Iran’s proxy network and missile arsenal still posing a grave threat. Political commentator Anna Barsky stated that while Israel believes the conflict delayed Iran’s nuclear progress, the regime’s ambitions remain unchanged. Regional officials familiar with the negotiations revealed that the agreement would involve a phased lifting of sanctions and the release of frozen Iranian assets, raising concerns about further empowering Iran and its proxies.
