Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political standing is being jeopardized by a recent US-Iran deal orchestrated by President Donald Trump. This agreement, largely rejected by the Israeli populace, has transformed Netanyahu's close relationship with Trump from an asset into a detriment, especially as he prepares for an election this fall.
Netanyahu had previously leveraged his strong ties with Trump, whom he called Israel's "best friend" in the White House, hoping it would secure his re-election. However, the deal's provision to keep the Islamic Republic intact is deeply unpopular among Israelis of all political leanings, undermining Netanyahu's domestic support.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the US and Iran aims to end hostilities on "all fronts," including Lebanon. This clause conflicts with Netanyahu's promises to the Israeli public and his far-right coalition partners, who expect a more decisive outcome against Iran and its proxies like Hezbollah. Critics argue that Netanyahu made "unrealistic expectations" regarding the war's ability to dismantle Iran's nuclear program and its network of proxy groups.
Netanyahu is now caught between US pressure to de-escalate the conflict in Lebanon and the demands of his internal political base, which insists on continued action against Hezbollah and maintaining a strong stance. This precarious position is compounded by the need to keep his governing coalition together ahead of the upcoming elections, with partners like Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir unwilling to acknowledge any military defeat, particularly on the Lebanese front. The deal has made it difficult for Netanyahu to accept anything less than continued confrontation.
