Israeli leaders have voiced a range of reactions to the recently announced peace agreement between the United States and Iran, brokered by President Donald Trump, amid ongoing tensions involving Hezbollah and military operations in Lebanon and Gaza. The deal, which calls for the permanent cessation of hostilities and includes provisions for troop withdrawals contingent upon Hamas disarmament, has provoked deep divisions within Israel’s political and security establishment.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed mixed sentiments regarding the agreement, emphasizing that it was ultimately Trump’s decision. He reaffirmed his commitment to Israel’s security and preventing any nuclear threat from Iran. However, several prominent members of Netanyahu’s coalition have expressed strong opposition. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir declared that Israel remains a sovereign state and will not be constrained by decisions made in Washington. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also criticized the deal, labeling it detrimental to both Israel and the broader free world.
Defense Minister Israel Katz took a notably divergent stance, announcing that Israeli forces would continue to occupy buffer zones in Lebanon and Gaza indefinitely. This position conflicts directly with the peace plan’s framework, which anticipates withdrawal of troops once Hamas is disarmed. The decision highlights the challenges facing the Israeli government as it seeks to balance domestic political pressures with the requirements of the agreement.
Opposition leaders within Israel have further complicated the landscape by accusing Netanyahu of compromising Israel’s strategic posture, while segments of the Israeli left have criticized the prime minister’s approach to Iran and Hezbollah. Public opinion also remains divided, with many Israelis rejecting the notion that hostilities with Hezbollah should cease, despite the terms outlined in the U.S.-brokered deal.
The peace process has been further undermined by recent military actions, including Israeli airstrikes in Beirut conducted shortly before the deal was publicized. President Trump reportedly reprimanded Netanyahu for these operations, amid reports of last-minute concessions made to Iran to avoid retaliatory attacks. Iranian media acknowledged these concessions as part of the agreement’s finalization.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that the accord will formalize a permanent cessation of military engagements on all fronts involving Lebanon. A formal signing ceremony is planned for Geneva. Nevertheless, the fragile state of the agreement and ongoing Israeli defiance pose significant risks to its implementation and long-term stability in the region.