US-Iran MOU Signed, Israeli Leaders React
A memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran was signed by President Donald Trump and President Masoud Pezeshkian, including provisions to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and ease sanctions. Nuclear and missile issues were deferred.
The Agreement and Immediate Fallout
The MOU was signed amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran. A separate deal to end regional hostilities, including in Lebanon, was also signed by the two presidents.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly opposed the agreement.
"There are cases in which President Trump and I do not see eye to eye. … I am responsible for Israel's security interests." — Benjamin Netanyahu
Coalition and Opposition Reactions
- Far-right coalition partners Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir called the deal "dangerous" and stated Israel does not consider itself bound by it.
- Opposition leader Naftali Bennett described it as "a dangerous turn in Israel's security."
- Former military chief Gadi Eisenkot termed it a "miserable result."
Military Operations Continue
Israel has continued military operations in Lebanon and Iran since the signing. U.S. officials have expressed displeasure.
President Trump stated at the G7 summit that Netanyahu "has to be more responsible" with respect to Lebanon and was "not happy" with the invasion. He also condemned the bombing of Beirut.
Conflicting Accounts of Leadership
Netanyahu stated that the United States leads the war effort, saying:
"He's the leader. I'm, you know, his ally. America is the leader."
However, he confirmed that Israel acted "alone" in striking Iran's South Pars gas field. He acknowledged receiving a request from Trump to "hold off" further attacks on that site.
U.S. media reports indicated that Trump called Netanyahu "fing crazy"* over the Lebanon escalation (Axios, June 2).
Status of the Conflict
As of the latest reporting, the conflict in Iran has reached its three-week mark. Netanyahu stated that after 20 days, Iran lacked the capacity to produce ballistic missiles or enrich uranium. He claimed Iran was being "decimated" and that its threats to close the Strait of Hormuz would "not work."
The extent of damage to Iran's nuclear program remains unclear, as International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors have been unable to access bombed sites.
Netanyahu's Stated Objectives
Netanyahu outlined three primary goals for "Operation Rising Lion":
- The removal of nuclear and ballistic missile threats from Iran.
- Neutralizing these threats before they become inaccessible to aerial attacks.
- Establishing conditions that empower Iranians to determine their future.
Netanyahu also stated the conflict originated approximately 47 years ago with the Islamic revolution in Iran, asserting the regime has "waged war against America and Israel and the people of Iran."
Impact on US-Israel Relations
The public disagreements have occurred within a broader context of historical tensions that have not fundamentally altered security cooperation. The U.S. has continued security cooperation and military aid, including a $38 billion aid package signed under President Obama after the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.
Reports from Israeli media noted a rift in May last year over Netanyahu's trip and U.S. engagement with Iran and Houthis. Trump reportedly told Netanyahu regarding the Gaza ceasefire:
"Bibi, you can't fight the world."
Shifting Public Opinion
- A September 2025 Gallup poll in Israel showed 76% approval for U.S. leadership among Israelis, compared to 40% for Israel's government leadership.
- An Israel Democracy Institute survey found a drop in Jewish Israelis viewing Israel's security as a central consideration for Trump: 64% in March to 44% in June.
Political Context in Israel
Elections are officially scheduled for October 2026, though early elections could be triggered by the ultra-Orthodox conscription crisis or the March 2026 budget deadline.
Opinion polls conducted since October 2023 indicate that Netanyahu's coalition typically secures between 49 and 54 seats in the Knesset.
Historical Trump-Netanyahu Collaboration
Previous collaborations include:
- Recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights (2019)
- A Palestinian peace plan (2020)
- The Abraham Accords
During the 2019-2020 Israeli election cycles, Likud campaign materials featured imagery of both leaders.
Upcoming Meeting
Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Political analysts suggest the meeting is part of Netanyahu's electoral strategy, shifting focus from the October 7, 2023 events and utilizing Trump's involvement to influence public perception.
Political strategist Nadav Shtrauchler stated that the U.S. president is expected to be "a central figure in Netanyahu's reelection strategy."
Regional Implications
Lebanon
The MOU stipulates that Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon is not a condition of the deal. A senior U.S. official stated that Israel retains the right to self-defense if attacked. Israel controls about 20% of Lebanese territory, and Netanyahu and his cabinet have vowed not to withdraw.
Gaza
Trump has sought progress on the next phase of the ceasefire, while Netanyahu's coalition faces pressure from right-wing factions regarding withdrawals. Israeli sources suggest Netanyahu may seek approval for an additional military operation in Gaza before agreeing to further ceasefire advancements.
Iran
Israeli officials have expressed skepticism that Trump would quickly authorize another major Israeli military operation against Iran, particularly following a strike on Hamas leadership in Doha.
White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly stated that the U.S. continues to work with Israel to implement the President's "20 Point Plan for Peace" and is committed to preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.