Israeli leaders have expressed strong criticism of the cease-fire agreement being negotiated between the United States and Iran, warning that the deal could jeopardize Israel’s military campaign and fail to address key security threats posed by Tehran. The proposed agreement, reportedly nearing finalization, aims to extend a cease-fire for 60 days, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and lay the groundwork for further discussions regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
The framework has provoked a backlash across Israel’s political spectrum, with objections focusing on both the substance of the deal and Israel’s exclusion from the direct negotiation process. Multiple Israeli officials and commentators have described the agreement as insufficient and problematic. Right-wing politician and former Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman called it a “catastrophe from Israel’s perspective” on social media. An Israeli official familiar with the talks expressed concern that the agreement does not adequately address Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium or impose meaningful restrictions on its nuclear development.
The deal also appears to permit financial flows back to the Iranian government without mechanisms to ensure Tehran curtails support for regional proxy forces such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, and the Houthis in Yemen. These proxy groups have long been a critical security concern for Israel. Former acting national security adviser Jacob Nagel noted that while the agreement sets the stage for future negotiations, it does not outline steps to curb Iran’s ballistic missile program or dismantle its support for regional militias, key demands previously articulated by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Tensions remain high following Israeli airstrikes near Beirut in response to Hezbollah gunfire, actions that reportedly angered Tehran. President Donald Trump, speaking to Fox News, criticized Netanyahu’s handling of these strikes, asking rhetorically, “What the f--k are you doing?” Despite these strains, Netanyahu has refrained from publicly disputing the Trump administration’s initiative as pressure mounts from within his coalition ahead of Israeli national elections expected by late October.
The developing cease-fire represents a pivotal moment in the US-led efforts to de-escalate conflict with Iran, which erupted earlier this year with Israeli and American military actions targeting Tehran’s nuclear and ballistic missile infrastructure. While the Trump administration portrays the deal as a step toward lasting peace and a broader diplomatic engagement with Iran, Israeli officials remain skeptical about its ability to neutralize what they define as existential threats. The coming days will be critical as the agreement moves toward a possible signature, with many observers watching closely to see if Israel’s security concerns will be adequately addressed in subsequent negotiations.