Israeli hardliners slam Iran deal

Agencies

Tel Aviv

The US-Iran agreement announced on Sunday has triggered a significant backlash from both Israeli opposition leaders and government coalition members, who collectively view the deal as a major threat to Israeli security.

Opposition leader and former IDF deputy chief Yair Golan delivered a scathing critique, describing the event as a "tough morning for Israel." Golan accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of standing "weak, ill, isolated, and powerless" on the sidelines while the US signed an agreement that allegedly provides billions to Tehran, preserves Iran's nuclear infrastructure, and maintains its ballistic missile threat. He concluded that replacing Netanyahu is now an "existential security imperative."

Former IDF chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot was equally critical, stating that the current situation is the result of a failed government operating without strategy. Eisenkot highlighted the plight of residents in the north, who have been left vulnerable for two-and-a-half years, and criticised Netanyahu for failing to address the public directly regarding the agreement.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, chairman of the Unity Party, called the outcome "a dangerous turn for Israel's security." He argued that the past 1,000 days had exposed the weakness of the current government, contrasting it with Israel's ability to win short, decisive wars. Bennett stated his party has a clear strategic plan to prevent Iran from going nuclear.