Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing significant domestic backlash over a potential interim US-Iran deal, with critics across the political spectrum labeling it a disaster. The agreement is seen by opponents as weakening Israel while strengthening Iran, and potentially limiting Israel's military operations in Lebanon.
Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak attributed the situation to Netanyahu's 'hubris and blindness,' suggesting Iran has emerged stronger and Israel weaker. Yair Lapid, a key challenger in upcoming elections, described the deal as a 'shocking failure' in Israel's foreign and security policy.
The deal's terms reportedly include demands from Tehran for a cessation of Israeli hostilities in Lebanon, a move that has drawn strong opposition from within Netanyahu's government. Ultranationlist national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir declared that the agreement does not bind Israel and does not ensure its security.
President Trump reportedly warned Netanyahu that Israeli strikes in Beirut could jeopardize the deal, highlighting a perceived rift between the two leaders and raising questions about Netanyahu's influence in Washington. The situation presents Netanyahu with a difficult choice between confronting the US or conceding Israeli interests.