US‑Israel ties sour as Trump‑Iran agreement fuels American public backlash

President Donald Trump signed a memorandum of understanding with Iran that ends the U.S.–Israel‑backed war, leaves hard‑liners in Tehran in charge and does little to curb Iran’s missile or nuclear programs. Israeli officials called the deal “Israel’s disaster,” with Ruth Margalit remarking it “is Israel’s disaster,” and Lazar Berman adding it is “perhaps most disturbingly for Israel.”

The agreement also includes a cease‑fire in Lebanon that shields Hezbollah, and Trump’s comments labeling Israel a “very small partner” and Netanyahu a “loose cannon” have strained the bilateral relationship.

Polls show a sharp rise in unfavorable U.S. views of Israel—about 60% of Americans now view Israel negatively, up from 42% a year earlier. The shift is strongest among younger Democrats and Republicans, turning the traditionally “special relationship” into a partisan issue ahead of the midterms.

Analysts describe the development as a generational shift, driven by criticism of Israel’s Gaza campaign, the failed Iran war and the perception that U.S. support is increasingly conditional, affecting both American foreign‑policy debate and Netanyahu’s political standing.