While the peace deal between the United States and Iran brokered by Donald Trump aims to stabilize the region, Israel is openly opposing the plan. Defense Minister Yisrael Katz announced that Israeli troops will remain in Lebanon, Syria and the Gaza Strip indefinitely, regardless of international pressure.
The geopolitical map of the Middle East is undergoing a dramatic change. The agreement between Iran and the US - which envisages an immediate ceasefire that also extends to Lebanon - marks the beginning of a "long and beautiful peace", according to Washington. However, the Israeli leadership firmly rejects the agreement's clause that would require the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon.
„"Israel is not a subordinate of the United States"”
Defense Minister Yisrael Katz emphasized in his announcement on Monday that the Israeli army is maintaining security zones in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza. The goal is clear: to protect border settlements from jihadist forces. „"If Iran attacks Israel over events in Lebanon, we will strike back with full force"” – the minister warned, indicating that the Israeli strategy is based on direct deterrence, not international negotiations.
Hardliners within the government, led by National Security Minister Itamar Bengvir, were even more vocal. In a message posted on X, Bengvir stressed that Israel is a sovereign state that is not bound by the US-Iran deal, which he believes does not adequately address security challenges. The minister demanded the complete disarmament of Hezbollah and stated that Israel should not give up the balance of deterrence that requires a direct strike on Beirut's Dahiyya neighborhood in response to any attack from Lebanon.
Trump and Netanyahu: Strained Allies
The relationship between the US president and the Israeli prime minister has deteriorated dramatically following the latest Israeli airstrike on Dahijah. Donald Trump has openly criticized Benjamin Netanyahu for what he says almost derailed months of negotiations with Iran.
„"Bibi shouldn't have done that. I didn't like it at all"” – the American president stated The Wall Street JournalTrump, however, added that Netanyahu ultimately supports the Iran deal, primarily because it prevents Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. The president called Netanyahu a „difficult man” who should be grateful for the United States„ role as a mediator, saying, ”If Iran had a nuclear weapon, Israel wouldn’t exist for two hours.”.
Internal protest in Israel
Not only the government, but also the opposition is critical of the developments. According to Yair Golan, the leader of the Democratic Party, the US-Iranian agreement was reached „over Israel’s head” without taking into account Israeli interests. According to him, the agreement not only leaves the threat posed by ballistic missiles untouched, but also finances the Tehran regime with billions of dollars, while providing no real guarantees for Israel’s security.
The situation is extremely fragile: the gap between diplomatic efforts and military realities is widening. While international mediators hope for the beginning of a new era with the ceasefire agreement, the Israeli leadership's determination to maintain a military presence suggests that tensions will not significantly decrease in the near future.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ): Source of an interview with US President Donald Trump containing his criticism of Netanyahu and his statement regarding the attack on Beirut.
The New York Times (NYT): The American president's interview in which he called Netanyahu a "very difficult man.".
Truth Social: Donald Trump's social media platform, where he posted about his ceasefire hopes.
X (formerly Twitter): The primary interface of the statement of Minister of National Security Itamár Bengvír.
