Key facts
- Many Israelis feel betrayed and angry by a US-brokered ceasefire deal with Iran.
- The deal is perceived as a major mistake that restricts Israel's ability to counter Hezbollah.
- Commentators have condemned the agreement as a surrender and humiliation.
- Renewed fighting in Lebanon, following Hezbollah attacks that killed Israeli soldiers, underscores regional tensions.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces challenges to his leadership and security credentials amid international isolation.
Many Israelis feel a profound sense of betrayal and anger following a recently concluded ceasefire deal between Iran and the United States, viewing it as a significant mistake that jeopardizes their security and isolates them on the international stage. The agreement is widely condemned by commentators as a surrender and humiliation, with widespread concern that it will allow Iran to emerge stronger and will restrict Israel's ability to counter the threat posed by Hezbollah.
In Rehovot, sentiments ranged from frustration to resignation. Avi Perez stated, 'We were betrayed by President Trump,' reflecting a belief that Israel must confront its dangers alone. Shaham Nowick expressed the unsettling transition from seeking shelter to a premature return to normalcy, questioning if anything had truly been resolved.
The news cycle was dominated by renewed fighting in Lebanon, where Israeli airstrikes followed Hezbollah's killing of four Israeli soldiers. This escalation underscores the perceived ineffectiveness of the US deal in resolving regional tensions. Many Israelis view the conflict in Lebanon as a just war, with a strong belief that Iran and Hezbollah are intrinsically linked.
In Metulla, near the Lebanese border, anger was palpable. Daniel Dorfmann called the US agreement 'a big mistake.' Others lamented Israel's failure to achieve its war aims, such as regime change in Iran and the dismantling of its nuclear program. The perception of being marginalized by Washington has further fueled discontent.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a critical challenge in convincing voters of his security credentials, especially after the failures that preceded the October 2023 Hamas attack and the international isolation resulting from the Gaza war. Analysts suggest his position is precarious, with Professor Tamar Hermann noting that unmet aims lead to perceptions of incapacity.
Political analysts highlight deep divisions within Israeli society, exacerbated by the government's actions. However, Professor Hermann suggests that underlying shared beliefs among Jewish voters on economic policy, security, and the nature of the Israeli state might be stronger than perceived polarization. Despite divisions, there is broad support for the war in Lebanon and opposition to conscription exemptions for Orthodox communities.
The prevailing sentiment among some, like Dahlia Perez, is that peace remains elusive, and Israel must rely on its own strength, stating, 'We understand now that we have no friends and we cannot trust anyone.'