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Netanyahu has been isolated internationally in his belief that the war should have continued and that the US-Iran agreement is a mistake.
US President Donald Trump and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu (Reuters/File)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has remained largely silent after United States President Donald Trump signed the landmark peace agreement with Iran, even as his allies in Israel and Washington have reacted angrily, describing the deal as a “strategic and political disaster”.
The agreement has left Netanyahu in a difficult position just months ahead of Israel’s elections, after he had repeatedly promised the public “total victory” over Iran, according to Axios.
According to Axios, Netanyahu has been isolated internationally in his belief that the war should have continued and that the US-Iran agreement is a mistake.
However, unlike during the 2015 Iran nuclear deal under former US President Barack Obama, the Israeli leader has refrained from publicly confronting Trump, whose endorsement has made even his Republican allies in Washington reluctant to openly attack the deal.
Also Read: ‘Think Of It, Bibi. You Got The Best’: Trump Says Iran Peace Deal Removes Israel’s ‘Biggest Risk’
Netanyahu-Aligned Media Criticises Trump, Calls Vance ‘Sc***ag’
Instead, criticism has largely come from Netanyahu-aligned media and political supporters.
A prime-time host on Israel’s pro-Netanyahu Channel 14 called US Vice President JD Vance a “sc***ag” and accused senior Trump aides Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner of selling out Israel for financial interests.
Israel’s Biggest Concern In MoU: Lebanon
One of Israel’s biggest concerns is Lebanon. The memorandum extends the ceasefire to include fighting involving Hezbollah and envisages an eventual Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon as part of a final settlement.
A Netanyahu adviser said that Israel does not consider itself bound by that provision, insisting any withdrawal would depend on Hezbollah being disarmed, according to Axios.
Meanwhile, Trump on Wednesday acknowledged there remained “a little dispute about Lebanon.”
Despite the tensions, the White House has stressed that the agreement is not a “one-sided” ceasefire and that Israel retains the right to respond militarily if Hezbollah launches attacks.
US officials also hoped that Israel would use the 60-day window to push the negotiations with Lebanon towards a political settlement.
Also Read: ‘We Did Send A Copy’: Trump Pushes Back After Israel Claims It Was Kept In Dark On Iran Deal
Trump had also slammed Israel’s tactics in Lebanon on Wednesday while stating that it was unacceptable “to knock down an apartment house every time you’re looking for somebody”.
Cracks In Trump-Netanyahu Ties?
Trump, meanwhile, struck a conciliatory yet pointed tone while speaking at the G7 summit. Thanking Netanyahu for his cooperation during the conflict, the US president also underscored the unequal nature of the alliance.
“Bibi is a good man. He gets a little excited sometimes. But we have an amazing partnership. We are the big partner, and he is the very small partner,” Trump said.
The remarks came days after Trump told Axios that Netanyahu had “no fucking judgement” because he gave a green signal to Beirut strikes that nearly derailed the negotiations.
The friction between the two world leaders reportedly extends to the negotiation process itself.
Israeli officials said Netanyahu was caught off guard when Trump announced the agreement and claimed Israel had not been allowed to review the final memorandum before it was signed, as per Axios.
A senior US official, however, said the White House had kept Israel informed throughout the talks and maintained that Netanyahu acknowledged the deal could be beneficial if Iran fully complies with its nuclear commitments.
About the Author
Prisha is the Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com, with more than 10 years of experience in national and international news. She specialises in editorial leadership, sharp news judgment, and high-impact st…Read More
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