Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized the newly announced US-Iran agreement on Monday, calling it harmful for Israel and the wider region. The deal matters because it could reshape regional security dynamics and ease tensions. Israel, Iran, Lebanon, and key regional actors are expected to feel its impact.
Smotrich said the agreement, reached under Pakistani mediation, would not stop Israel from confronting Iran. He argued that Israel must continue efforts to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Furthermore, he warned that Israel would face important security tests in Lebanon. He pledged continued support for military operations against Hezbollah.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump announced that Washington and Tehran had finalized a peace agreement. The deal includes halting conflicts across multiple fronts, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and ending a US naval blockade on Iran. However, Israeli forces continued airstrikes in southern Lebanon despite the announcement. Lebanese officials reported thousands of casualties and more than 1.5 million displaced people since March.
Additionally, several Israeli political analysts described the agreement as a diplomatic victory for Tehran. Writing in Israeli media outlets, commentators argued that the deal leaves major Israeli concerns unresolved. They pointed to Iran’s ballistic missile program and support for regional allies. Some analysts said the agreement grants Iran international legitimacy without addressing key security challenges.
In the strongest criticism, analysts accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of failing to influence the agreement’s terms. They argued that Israel achieved military gains but suffered a political setback. Others warned that Iran could benefit economically through renewed oil exports and access to frozen funds. As negotiations move forward, debate over the agreement’s long-term consequences is expected to intensify.