Israeli leaders from across the political spectrum expressed strong criticism on Monday following the announcement of a preliminary agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at de-escalating hostilities. The accord, which includes provisions for lifting some sanctions on Tehran, the release of frozen Iranian assets, and a cessation of hostilities in Lebanon, has been met with significant concern in Israel regarding its implications for the country’s security.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, stating that “as long as I am the prime minister of Israel, it will not happen.” Despite this, critics within Israel’s political establishment and military circles argue that Netanyahu miscalculated the situation and that the deal weakens Israel’s position in the region. Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak accused Netanyahu of overpromising on the potential outcomes of the U.S.-Iran conflict and said Israel now finds itself weaker while Iran has emerged stronger. Opposition leader Yair Lapid described the agreement as “one of the most shocking failures in Israel’s foreign and security policy,” warning that Netanyahu could no longer address the challenges the deal presents.
The agreement also complicates Israel’s ongoing military campaign in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militant group. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz signaled that Israeli troops would remain in Lebanon despite calls from Iran during the negotiations to halt hostilities there. However, U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly expressed frustration with Israeli strikes in Beirut, warning they could threaten the peace process. As a result, the United States is reportedly seeking to scale back the conflict, potentially at the expense of Israeli military objectives.
This shift has left Netanyahu navigating a difficult political and strategic position, caught between the United States’ desire to end the conflict and domestic pressure to maintain a robust stance against Hezbollah and Iran. Some hawkish members of Netanyahu’s coalition, including national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, have publicly urged the prime minister not to compromise, insisting on pursuing the dismantling of Hezbollah regardless of U.S. objections.
Analysts note that while the Israeli campaign has delayed Iran’s nuclear program, it has not eliminated the threat. Tehran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz and its ongoing missile capabilities remain a significant concern. Israeli officials worry that the influx of funds from the release of Iranian assets under the deal could strengthen Tehran further. Former general and opposition figure Yair Golan criticized the agreement for effectively providing financial support to what he described as a “murderous regime.”
The unfolding situation leaves Israel facing both strategic uncertainty and political challenges ahead of the country’s upcoming elections. Netanyahu must balance maintaining a strong security posture with managing relations with the Trump administration and navigating a complex regional environment shaped by the new U.S.-Iran agreement.