U.S.-Iran Deal Criticized by Israeli Opposition Leader

The United States and Iran are in discussions to finalize a deal, but the terms are drawing criticism from Israel’s opposition leader, Yair Lapid. According to Lapid, the planned deal doesn’t meet Israel’s aims for the ongoing conflict. He has blamed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for not securing a more favorable agreement.

Lapid, part of a coalition striving to challenge Netanyahu in upcoming elections, expressed that the deal’s details are unsettling. He stated, “The deal is unfavorable for Israel, detrimental to the region, and adverse for Iranian citizens.” Both Israel and the U.S. initiated the conflict on February 28, with objectives to dismantle Iran’s ballistic missile initiative, halt Iran’s support for militant groups, and terminate its nuclear bomb ambitions. Leaders like Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump also intended to establish conditions to end Iran’s government.

The draft deal being evaluated requires Iran to relinquish its highly enriched uranium reserves and reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz. In exchange, the U.S. would lift its blockade of Iranian ports and alleviate sanctions. Discussions about Iran’s nuclear activities would follow a 60-day negotiation period. However, the deal’s impact on Iran’s missile program or regional group support remains uncertain.

Lapid voiced appreciation to Trump for beginning the war with Israel, though he criticized Netanyahu for allowing the U.S. to negotiate independently. “The Israeli government is currently ineffective at influencing U.S. decisions,” Lapid said. He referenced Trump’s statement last week that “Netanyahu will comply with my directives.” An anonymous official mentioned Netanyahu has consistently conveyed to Trump that Israel maintains “freedom of action” against threats, emphasizing Israel’s sovereignty.

Lapid heads the centrist “Yesh Atid” party, serving briefly as prime minister in 2022 alongside Naftali Bennett, leader of a small conservative group. Their coalition interrupted Netanyahu’s 12-year leadership. They have now consolidated their parties under Bennett, striving to dethrone Netanyahu in the elections scheduled before October’s end. Since Netanyahu’s return to power in late 2022, Lapid has led Israel’s opposition while Bennett temporarily retired from politics. This alliance targets opposing Netanyahu consistently amid fragmented opposition.

Lapid is one of the few Israeli politicians backing Palestinian independence. He asserted that this issue won’t be considered by the next government, citing unsuitable conditions following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, and subsequent conflicts. “A two-state solution is unlikely soon,” Lapid remarked, noting the potential for another unstable terrorist state at Israel’s border. He added that the Palestinian Authority lacks capability to thwart attacks against Israel. Nonetheless, Lapid opposes unilateral actions hindering a prospective Palestinian state’s future, highlighting Bennett’s assurances against annexing the occupied territory.

Lapid excluded collaboration with Arab parties to form a coalition to replace Netanyahu. Polls suggest Bennett and Lapid may need some Arab lawmakers’ support to establish a majority coalition, as achieved in their prior government. They broke new ground in 2021 by inviting Mansour Abbas, an Arab faction leader, into Israel’s government, a first in its history. Lapid acknowledged his prior alliance with Abbas was suitable for the time, but the subsequent wars have altered Israel significantly. Consequently, he and Bennett won’t pursue a coalition with Abbas’ party in the impending elections.