‘Political Disaster’: Netanyahu Allies Turn on Trump Over US-Iran Peace Deal, Attack Vance

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained public silence.

After US President Donald Trump signed a landmark peace agreement with Iran, even as his allies in Israel and Washington have sharply criticised the deal, calling it a “strategic and political disaster”, according to Axios.

The agreement has placed Netanyahu in a politically delicate position ahead of Israel’s upcoming elections, particularly after he had repeatedly promised “total victory” over Iran, Axios reported.

Netanyahu has also been described by some observers as increasingly isolated in his view that military pressure on Iran should have continued, even as the US and Iran moved ahead with the deal. However, unlike during the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement under Barack Obama, the Israeli leader has avoided direct public confrontation with Trump, whose influence has made many Republican voices more cautious.

Criticism, instead, has surfaced largely through Netanyahu-aligned media and political supporters in Israel and the US. A prime-time presenter on the pro-Netanyahu Channel 14 reportedly launched a strong attack on senior US officials involved in the deal, reflecting growing anger within sections of the Israeli right.

The agreement also includes provisions related to regional de-escalation, including Lebanon, where Israel’s concerns remain significant. The memorandum envisages an extension of the ceasefire framework and a pathway toward Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon as part of a broader settlement.

A Netanyahu aide told Axios that Israel does not consider itself bound by the withdrawal clause, insisting any such move would depend on the disarmament of Hezbollah.

Meanwhile, Trump acknowledged ongoing differences over Lebanon, saying there remained “a little dispute about Lebanon”, while emphasising that Israel retains the right to respond militarily if attacks continue from Hezbollah.

US officials have said they hope the agreement will open space for a political settlement within a 60-day negotiation window, even as tensions on the ground persist.

Trump also criticised aspects of Israel’s military approach in Lebanon, saying it was unacceptable “to knock down an apartment house every time you’re looking for somebody”.

Tensions between Trump and Netanyahu have also become more visible in recent remarks. Speaking at the G7 summit, Trump described Netanyahu as “a good man” but emphasised the imbalance in the relationship, saying, “We are the big partner, and he is the very small partner.”

The friction follows reports that Trump privately questioned Netanyahu’s judgement over strikes in Beirut that risked derailing negotiations, according to Axios.

Israeli officials also claimed Netanyahu was taken by surprise by the announcement of the agreement and did not have an opportunity to review the final memorandum before it was signed. A senior US official, however, said Israel had been kept informed throughout the process and suggested Netanyahu had acknowledged potential benefits if Iran complies with the terms of the deal.