Israel Responds to New US-Iran Deal
TAL AVIV, Israel: Reactions are mixed in Israel following the agreement reached between President Trump and Iran. Some officials are adopting a cautious wait-and-see approach, while others are voicing strong criticism.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council confirmed that a memorandum of understanding has been finalized, which aims to end military hostilities following extensive negotiations. The council announced that all military activities, including those in Lebanon, would cease “immediately and permanently.”
Discussions on a comprehensive final deal are expected to start after both parties meet their obligations under the agreement, likely taking up to 60 days.
PRIME MINISTER STATEMENT PENDING
Though Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not publicly commented yet, Defense Minister Israel Katz refrained from criticizing the deal directly. He emphasized that Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) would not withdraw from southern Lebanon and warned that Israel would respond decisively if Iran attacks.
Katz stated, “The IDF will stay in its security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza to protect our borders and citizens from jihadist threats.” He called these zones “one of the IDF’s key successes” since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and affirmed that Israel opposes any IDF withdrawal from Lebanon.
Katz also mentioned that he and Netanyahu had communicated their concerns to President Trump and other senior American officials about maintaining Israel’s security.
CRITICS OF THE DEAL
Yossi Kuperwasser, former chief of Israeli military intelligence, expressed unease about the details of the agreement, suggesting that it might not meet Israel’s security needs. He pointed out that there has been internal debate within the Iranian leadership about accepting this deal, and this raises significant concerns in Israel.
Kuperwasser outlined what a “good deal” should look like, including Iran fully abandoning its nuclear program and limiting missile production.
Former Prime Minister Yair Lapid criticized the agreement, claiming it fails to meet Israel’s security objectives and allows Iran’s missile and nuclear programs to continue, a situation he deemed a complete failure for Netanyahu.
ISRAELI OFFICIALS VOICE INDEPENDENCE
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir asserted that Israel is not bound by the memorandum. He declared, “We are an independent nation, and our duty is to our citizens and our security.”
Netanyahu’s office acknowledged the agreement but emphasized the importance of ensuring it aligns with Israeli security needs. Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, stating, “As long as I am the Prime Minister of Israel, Iran will not have nuclear bombs.”
As the situation develops, Israeli officials continue to assess the implications of this new memorandum and how it aligns with Israel’s long-term security interests.
Author: Amelie Botbol, a freelance journalist based in Tel Aviv, has contributed articles to several prominent publications. You can follow her on social media.
