Israeli Ministers, Opposition Criticise US-Iran Deal

Political leaders across Israel have criticised the agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at ending the Middle East conflict, including hostilities involving Lebanon, arguing that it does not adequately protect Israel’s security interests.

 

Among the strongest critics were National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, both of whom insisted that Israel is not bound by the agreement.

 

“Trump’s agreement does not bind us… we are not party to this agreement. It does not safeguard our security,” Ben Gvir said on his Telegram channel.

 

He argued that Israel should continue pursuing the dismantling of Hezbollah and should not withdraw from territories captured during military operations.

 

Smotrich also described the agreement as “bad for Israel,” despite acknowledging the successes achieved through joint US-Israeli efforts against Iran.

 

“We will have to continue the campaign to bring down the regime ourselves, using creative means, and ensure that Iran never acquires nuclear weapons,” he said.

 

The finance minister further called for a tougher approach in Lebanon, insisting that Israel must retain freedom of action against Hezbollah.

 

Opposition figures also expressed concern over the agreement and criticised the government’s handling of the conflict.

 

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, widely regarded as a leading contender in Israel’s next election, described the deal as a “dangerous turn” for the country’s security.

 

“In the past 1,000 days, we have discovered time and again the greatness of our nation and the weakness of the government,” Bennett said.

 

He maintained that Israel should pursue a broader strategy combining diplomatic, intelligence, economic, technological and military measures to counter Iran.

 

Meanwhile, Yair Golan, leader of the left-wing Democrats Party, argued that the agreement undermined Israel’s military achievements.

 

“With the stroke of a pen, enormous military achievements — achieved through the courage of our pilots and the sacrifice of our soldiers — have been erased,” Golan said.

 

He further criticised the deal for leaving Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and ballistic missile capabilities unresolved while potentially providing economic relief to Tehran.

 

The agreement, brokered by the United States, is intended to reduce tensions in the region and help bring an end to ongoing hostilities. However, reactions from across Israel’s political spectrum suggest that the deal is likely to remain a subject of intense debate in the country.