Mixed Reactions in Israel to U.S.-Iran Memorandum

Tel Aviv, Israel: Israel’s response to the recent memorandum of understanding between President Donald Trump and Iran has been a blend of anticipation for more details and vocal criticism.

The Iranian Supreme Council for National Security confirmed that a memorandum was finalized on Sunday, concluding months of negotiations. They declared that all military operations across various fronts, including Lebanon, would be halted “immediately and permanently.”

Reportedly, negotiations for a comprehensive agreement will kick off only after both nations meet their obligations under this framework, with talks expected to take up to 60 days.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to the nation on Monday night, asserting that for decades, he has opposed Iran’s quest for nuclear weapons. “I could call that my life’s mission,” he said, emphasizing that Iran must never possess nuclear arms. “With or without a deal, that won’t happen,” he added.

In a separate announcement, President Trump hailed the peace deal and celebrated the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, encouraging, “Let the oil flow!”

Netanyahu mentioned that as long as he remains Prime Minister, Iran’s nuclear ambitions would not materialize. He did commend the joint U.S.-Israel operation against Iran, yet he admitted he wasn’t fully versed in the specifics of the newly reached memorandum.

Earlier, Defense Minister Israel Katz refrained from criticizing the deal outright but assured that the Israeli Defense Forces would maintain their position in southern Lebanon. He warned that any Iranian attack as a result of Hezbollah’s actions would lead Israel to retaliate forcefully.

“The IDF will stay in secure zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza indefinitely to safeguard Israeli borders and communities from threats,” Katz stated.

He added that the establishment of a safe zone was a significant achievement in light of ongoing conflicts following the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, and that Israeli resistance to withdrawal in Lebanon would persist despite external pressures.

Meanwhile, Yossi Kuperwasser, director of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategic Security Studies, shared concerns that elements within the Iranian leadership might not fully support the deal. He suggested that its success—or lack thereof—could determine Israel’s security landscape.

Kuperwasser articulated that a “good deal” would require Iran to fully abandon its nuclear program and allow extensive monitoring, including at military sites. He added the deal should also prohibit missile production that could facilitate nuclear delivery.

The fates of both Lebanon and Iran’s nuclear status remain under discussion among the U.S., Israel, and Lebanon, but Kuperwasser noted that Iran should not influence Lebanon’s decisions.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid criticized the current administration’s handling of the situation on social media, lamenting that the new deal achieves none of Israel’s strategic objectives, leaving Iran’s military capabilities largely intact.

On March 19, Netanyahu articulated three key objectives for the operation against Iran: eliminating the nuclear threat, neutralizing the ballistic missile challenge, and empowering the Iranian populace toward autonomy.

Dr. Meir Javedanfar, a lecturer on Iranian issues, expressed reservations about the potential implications for Israel, specifically regarding Hezbollah’s ability to fortify its position along the border.

Ben Gvir, Israel’s Minister of National Security, asserted that the memorandum lacks binding authority over Israel, affirming its status as an independent nation. “We are not partners in this agreement,” he tweeted, emphasizing Israel’s obligations to its own citizens and military.

Netanyahu’s office later stated that while Israel isn’t a party to the memorandum, it appreciates Trump’s commitment that any final agreement will address key elements like restricting enrichment materials and dismantling related infrastructure.

Overall, Netanyahu reiterated his lifelong commitment to preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, aligning his perspective closely with President Trump’s, asserting that as long as he is Prime Minister, such a threat will not be realized.