Israeli Opposition Leader Criticizes U.S.-Iran Deal

Yair Lapid, Israel’s opposition leader, criticized the current U.S.-Iran deal negotiations on Monday. He expressed that the deal does not meet Israel’s objectives in the ongoing conflict and accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of not securing a more favorable agreement.

Lapid, a part of a coalition working to challenge Netanyahu in upcoming elections, called the deal details “disturbing.” He stated, “The deal is bad for Israel, bad for the region, bad for the citizens of Iran.”

The U.S. and Israel initiated the conflict on February 28, aiming to dismantle Iran’s ballistic missile endeavors, halt its backing of militant groups, and stop its pursuit of nuclear weaponry. Both Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump intended to create conditions that might lead to regime change in Iran.

According to regional officials, the proposed agreement has Iran relinquishing its enriched uranium stockpile and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. In return, the U.S. would lift sanctions and cease blocking Iranian ports. Negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program specifics would take place over a 60-day window. The agreement’s impact on Iran’s missile activities or support for regional militancy remains ambiguous.

Lapid thanked Trump for initiating the conflict alongside Israel but criticized Netanyahu for allowing U.S. negotiations without sufficient Israeli input. He remarked, “The Israeli government is at an all-time low in its ability to influence decisions in Washington.” Trump reportedly stated, “Netanyahu will do whatever I want him to do.”

Netanyahu has frequently reassured Trump about Israel’s autonomy in addressing threats. “Israel is a sovereign state, we are not a vassal state and we are not a protectorate,” emphasized Lapid.

In 2022, Lapid served briefly as prime minister under a rotational agreement with Naftali Bennett. Their coalition opposed Netanyahu’s long tenure. They have now allied again to contest Netanyahu in the elections scheduled for late October.

Although Lapid supports Palestinian independence, he believes conditions are not conducive due to persistent conflicts. “There will be no two-state solution in the coming years,” he stated, attributing instability to ongoing threats.

While Lapid opposes efforts that might hinder a future Palestinian state, he received assurances from Bennett against annexing occupied territories. However, Lapid ruled out collaborating with Arab parties to form a coalition against Netanyahu. Polls suggest an alliance with Arab lawmakers might be necessary, but Lapid emphasized current circumstances are different, indicating a return to previous coalitions is not viable.