Trump-Iran Deal Challenges Netanyahu and Ignites Israeli Debate

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is encountering extensive criticism and anger from both opponents and some allies within Israel following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of an agreement with Iran, which is perceived domestically as a significant concession to Tehran.

Trump described the deal, which includes an extension of the ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, scheduled to be signed on Friday in Switzerland, as a "great deal" that will bring "peace and security to the entire region."

Within Israel, however, the announcement was met with frustration and anger, as many political factions view Washington as once again compelling Israel to accept a truce before achieving its military objectives.

The agreement increases pressure on Israel to halt its operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, despite Netanyahu's repeated efforts to separate the war with Iran from the conflict with Hezbollah. After two days of silence, Netanyahu strongly defended his policies, asserting that the war against Iran was successful, while avoiding direct criticism of Trump.

He stated, "He is the President of the United States, and I am the Prime Minister of Israel… We agree on many things and sometimes disagree, but I am responsible for Israel’s security interests."

Nonetheless, Israeli analysts have expressed doubts about Netanyahu's ability to influence Trump prior to the signing of the agreement and about Israel's capacity to maintain freedom of military action once the deal takes effect.

Commentator Nahum Barnea wrote that Trump forced Israel to accept an "inappropriate" ceasefire in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran, suggesting that Israel's role has become "obedience and gratitude."

Opponents of Netanyahu within Israel intensified their criticism. Yair Lapid described the deal as a "shocking failure" in foreign and security policy, while Yair Golan said that "huge military achievements were erased with a single strike," considering Netanyahu "good for Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah, but not good for Israel."

Conversely, some members of the far-right government adopted a defiant stance. Defense Minister Yisrael Katz affirmed that Israel would not withdraw from territories it controls in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza, and that it would remain there "indefinitely," regarding control over these lands as "one of the greatest achievements of the Israeli army."

Separately, a Reuters report indicated that Netanyahu had hoped that a joint war with Trump would topple the Iranian regime and strengthen his political standing but found himself on a collision course with the U.S. president, who seeks to exit the war.

Israeli officials say the army is now "handcuffed" in Lebanon and that the preliminary agreement is "bad for Israel," a view shared by the entire Israeli leadership.

Washington has stated it will negotiate details of the agreement over the next sixty days, particularly concerning Iran's nuclear program. However, Israeli officials anticipate an extension of the negotiation period, which would limit Israel's ability to conduct military operations.

Netanyahu and Trump have clashed repeatedly over Israel's refusal to limit its operations against Hezbollah, a key Iranian demand. In a tense phone call, Trump called Netanyahu "crazy" and ordered him not to strike Beirut, later publicly criticizing him after an Israeli attack on the southern suburbs.

Despite these disagreements, Netanyahu claimed that Israel emerged from the crisis "strong and steady," while acknowledging differences with Trump. Estimates suggest that Netanyahu, facing potentially losing elections, has become more willing to oppose the U.S. president, as polls show declining Israeli confidence in Trump's commitment to Israel's security.

The memorandum of understanding is expected to be signed on Friday, including a permanent ceasefire across all fronts, including Lebanon. Netanyahu confirmed that Israel would keep its forces in southern Lebanon and maintain "freedom of action."

Israeli officials believe the agreement will likely be extended to 90 days and that Israel has failed to influence the negotiation process.

A senior official told journalists on Monday, "The easing of sanctions is not specifically linked to any particular behavior but generally to appropriate conduct. Clearly, our main concern is the nuclear program."

Analysts argue that the deal undermines Netanyahu's narrative of possessing exceptional influence over Trump, with the best outcome for Israel being the deal's failure and a return to war within sixty days.

Recent polls indicate declining Israeli trust in Trump, while Energy Minister Eli Cohen stated that Israel would act independently if Iran resumes its nuclear and missile programs.