By Robeka Irfan | SCN
A growing wave of anger is sweeping across Israel after the United States and Iran reached an interim peace agreement, with much of the criticism directed at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as opponents accuse him of failing to secure Israel's key war objectives.
The agreement, which provides for a 60-day ceasefire and broader negotiations between Washington and Tehran, has sparked concerns among Israeli politicians, security analysts and voters who believe Iran emerged from the conflict with many of its core capabilities still intact. Critics argue the deal does not dismantle Iran's missile program, remove its regional influence, or guarantee the end of its nuclear ambitions.
Opposition leaders accuse Netanyahu of misjudging President Donald Trump's willingness to continue the conflict and failing to anticipate Washington's shift toward diplomacy. Several Israeli commentators argue that Israel was effectively sidelined as negotiations progressed between the United States and Iran.
The controversy has intensified ahead of Israel's upcoming elections. Opposition figures claim Netanyahu overpromised what the war could achieve while exposing Israel to months of conflict and economic strain. Some critics have gone further, describing the agreement as a diplomatic defeat that leaves Iran's leadership and strategic infrastructure largely untouched.
Netanyahu, however, has defended the outcome and insists the joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign significantly weakened Iran's military leadership and reduced threats facing Israel. He has described the campaign as a historic achievement while maintaining that Israel reserves the right to act independently against future threats.
Another major point of tension involves Lebanon. Israeli officials have indicated they do not intend to withdraw forces from southern Lebanon despite provisions linked to the broader peace framework, highlighting continuing disagreements between Jerusalem and Washington over regional security.
Analysts say the debate now centers on whether the agreement represents a necessary diplomatic breakthrough or a missed opportunity to further weaken Iran. With elections approaching and public frustration growing, the political fallout could become one of the biggest challenges Netanyahu has faced since the war began.