Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly refrained from opposing the memorandum between Iran and the US, but Israel's military actions in Lebanon clearly reveal Tel Aviv's anger and concern. According to Israeli media, only a minority of Israelis believe their country won the war against Iran, a foe once seen as an existential threat.
The US-Iran memorandum includes a $300 billion reconstruction plan for Iran and demands that the US and its 'allies' immediately and permanently cease military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon. In response, Israel launched a heavy attack on Lebanon, killing at least 47 people on Friday, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. Four Israeli soldiers were also killed in Hezbollah attacks, prompting far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to declare that 'all of Lebanon must burn.'
However, by Friday evening, a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was reportedly reached, likely under US pressure as the US-Iran deal risked collapse.
How far Netanyahu can defy the US—which provides crucial diplomatic and financial support to Israel—remains unclear. According to a television poll released on Thursday, only a minority of Israelis believe their country won the war with Iran. Political analyst Dahlia Scheindlin noted: 'The frustration over the US-Iran memorandum is very real and deep. Israelis are acutely aware that none of the goals Netanyahu promised have been achieved.'
US Vice President JD Vance directly criticized Israel, saying: 'Donald J. Trump is the only head of state in the world who has sympathy for Israel at this moment.' He also warned far-right Israeli ministers that 'if I were in the Israeli cabinet, I would not attack my only remaining strong ally.'
Expert Yossi Mekelberg of Chatham House remarked: 'I cannot recall a time when a US vice president or president criticized Israel so publicly and with such language.' He argued that Netanyahu understands he cannot allow a real rift with the US, but needs at least the appearance of disagreement to maintain his position before elections.
Left-wing lawmaker Ofer Cassif of the Hadash party criticized: 'All Netanyahu and his gang care about is sabotaging the deal, while selling a story of security and defense. Destruction is the real goal.'
