Israel condemns US-Iran deal, says it will not halt Lebanon operations

Israel’s government denounced the recently announced U.S.–Iran agreement as a “colossal failure” that does not bind Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet described the memorandum as reflecting only American interests and reaffirmed Israel’s right to conduct independent military actions against Iran’s nuclear program and its regional proxies, including Hezbollah. The cabinet said Israel will not cease its offensive in Lebanon despite the pact’s call for an immediate cease‑fire on all fronts.

Israeli officials described the deal as “shocking” and warned it leaves Tel Aviv in a difficult position, noting that the agreement does not include a U.S. withdrawal from Lebanon or limit Israel’s self‑defence rights. A tense phone conversation between President Donald Trump and Netanyahu was reported shortly before the deal’s announcement, and some Israeli ministers criticized Trump for compromising security in exchange for oil and money. The United States, meanwhile, hailed the accord as a step toward ending hostilities with Iran and opening the Strait of Hormuz.

Both sides emphasized that Israel will continue its operations in Lebanon while monitoring the implementation of the U.S.–Iran memorandum.